Zlatko Dalić appointed head coach of United Arab Emirates national team

Former Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić has confirmed he will leave the Croatian national team to take charge of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) senior side. He has reached a verbal agreement with the UAE Football Association and is expected to sign a multi‑year contract in Dubai by the end of August, with an annual salary reported at around €5 million – the highest ever for a Croatian coach.

Dalić’s debut is slated for 24 September 2024 in the Gulf Cup, when the UAE will face Yemen in Doha, followed by group matches against Bahrain and Qatar. He will be accompanied by several members of his Croatian staff, including former players Vedran Ćorluka, Dražen Ladić, goalkeeping coach Marjan Mrmić, fitness coach Luka Milanović and analyst Marc Rochon. Branko Ivanković is expected to serve as a technical adviser, while former Croatia U‑21 boss Igor Bišćan has been offered the Olympic (U‑23) team role.

The move follows rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia and South Korea, but Dalić chose the UAE, citing the project’s ambition and the financial package, which is said to be roughly three times his previous earnings with the Croatian FA.