On July 21st, I ventured out to Pasadena, California (well out of San Pedro range) to catch the friendly match between Barcelona and L.A. Galaxy at the Rose Bowl. I was looking to speak with both Ivan Rakitić and Alen Halilović (Croatian national team players) on the upcoming season. Unfortunately, they declined to give any type of formal interview. However, during … [Read more...] about The Rise (And Fall) Of Slaven Bilić
Slaven Bilic
Barclays Premier League: Season Preview
By 26 CommentsThe world's most popular league is finally back. Storylines aren't lacking within the Barclays Premier League following an eventful summer. Raheem Sterling's inevitable departure from Liverpool to Manchester City was the biggest talking point. Other high profile moves for Petr Cech, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Christian Benteke, and many others will be highlighted as well. After … [Read more...] about Barclays Premier League: Season Preview
Halilovic and Jelavic to West Ham?
By 41 CommentsGuys, it's happening. Crottenham 2.0 is on the horizon, and Bilic has once again managed to have Englishmen shitting themselves. In the past 5 days we've seen West Ham send requests to Chicarito, Halilovic, and Nikica Jelavic. The crazy thing, aside from Jelavic, is that he actually may sign all of them. Bilic's offseason reminds me of the guy in college who finally musters up … [Read more...] about Halilovic and Jelavic to West Ham?
Bilić faces toughest test yet
By 57 CommentsCroatia's favorite manager from the past decade, Slaven Bilić, faces his toughest test at club level when he takes his Besiktas side into battle against English power Arsenal FC. The winner of the two-legged Champions League playoff tie will make the group stage while the losers drop to the Europa League group stage. Bilić pulled off two remarkable victories when he was in … [Read more...] about Bilić faces toughest test yet
Bilić & Besiktas on their way
By 40 CommentsFollowing Euro 2012, Slaven Bilić packed his bags and moved his managerial skills to Moscow, trading in his six years as Croatia head coach for the Russian Premier League. He brought in defender Vedran Ćorluka from Tottenham and was expected to get new club, Lokomotiv Moscow, into European play. But it was not meant to be as Lokomotiv finished mid-table and seven … [Read more...] about Bilić & Besiktas on their way
Bilić headed to Turkey
By 98 CommentsPhoto: Haberier Former Croatia international and manager, Slaven Bilić, didn't have to wait long to find a new job after parting ways with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow this offseason. Bilić has officially been announced as the new manager at Turkish club Besiktas. Besiktas finished third in Turkey last year, behind Galatasaray and Fenerbahce respectively, but have been … [Read more...] about Bilić headed to Turkey
Ćorluka, Bilić off to hot start in Moscow
By 10 CommentsPhoto: DalmacijaNews So far, so good in Mother Russia. Former Croatia coach Slaven Bilić got off on the right foot Friday night as his Lokomotiv Moscow side came from behind to defeat Mordovya 3-2 on the first day of the 2012-13 Russian Premier League. Croatian defender Vedran Ćorluka, who made the switch to Moscow from London this summer, received the start and … [Read more...] about Ćorluka, Bilić off to hot start in Moscow
EURO 2012: It’s Time
By 58 CommentsIllustration: ESPN EURO 2012 has finally arrived; and for Croatians, it's been a bumpy road getting this far under charismatic coach Slaven Bilić. The roller coaster ride started on a high note in 2007 when the Vatreni not only prevented England from qualifying for Euro '08, but also went perfect in group stage, defeating Germany on the way to the quarterfinals. With … [Read more...] about EURO 2012: It’s Time
Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death
By 365 CommentsPhoto: AP It was a lackluster first half in Oslo as Norway and Croatia played a scoreless affair in a friendly match. There was little offense by the Vatreni with Ivan Perišić replacing an ill Luka Modrić in the midfield. The attacking duo of Mario Mandžukić and Nikica Jelavić had few touches, and even fewer scoring chances. Without a creative midfielder to dictate the … [Read more...] about Norway Force 1-1 Draw at the Death