UAE coach Dalic vows to build strong team with eyes on WC

UAE unveiled decorated Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic as their new coach in Dubai on Thursday.

Dalic relinquished his job as Croatian coach after their World Cup campaign ended in the round of 32 with a 2-1 defeat by Portugal.

He replaced former coach Cosmin Olaroiu, who parted ways with the national team after they failed to qualify for the recently-concluded World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.

Dalic expressed his delight on return to the UAE. He has previously worked as Al Ain’s head coach ten years ago.

“I am glad to be here again. After 10 years, I came back to the UAE again. I had a great time here. I am confident that we will have a great time again.

“I am thankful to Sheikh Hamdan, for showing his trust in me and giving me this responsibility of taking through to the 2030 World Cup,” said Dalic.

Dalic returns to the UAE after a gap of ten years. He worked as the head coach of Croatia for nine long years before joining the UAE national team.

“I spent three years with Al Ain. After that, I spent nine years with Croatia. Now, I am back again and this time around with the UAE national team.”

During his nine years in charge of Croatia, Dalic guided the team to the 2018 World Cup final, a third-place finish in 2022 and the 2023 Nations League final. The UAE will face South Korea, Vietnam and Yemen in Group E of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

“My primary goal is to build a strong team. First competition is the Gulf Cup, which is just a month away. That will be our first challenge,” he added.

Dalic also brought supporting coaching staff with him. One of the most prominent names is Branko Ivankovic, who will join as the Special adviser to the UAE Football Association and strategic director for national teams.

“Branko has big expertise in the region. Our job is to select players who can play for the UAE for a long time. I will need the help of Branko, because of his expertise.

“Branko is a great adviser and we all together can do a fantastic job. I am not here to enjoy the beaches. I am here to work hard. I need everyone’s help, the media,” he stressed.

He also exuded confidence in his staff and his style of work. Dalic said everyone needs to be positive.

“People who are positive can achieve anything. Those who work hard can achieve any goal. I have worked hard all my life.”

Talking about his first assignment as the UAE coach, Dalic admitted the time for the preparation is very less especially when the league is starting from Aug.14, 2026.

“The most important thing is that we need to be competitive in all competitions. However, the main objective is to go to the 2030 World Cup.

“First competition is the Gulf Cup. We have one month for that. We have to pick up the best team for the tournament. My ambition is to lift the Gulf Cup,” he said. “I know it is going to be very tough. We as coaches need time. We have just seven days for the preparation for the Gulf Cup after the first round of the UAE Pro League.”

The 27th edition of the prestigious Gulf Cup will be held from Sept.23 -Oct.6 in Saudi Arabia. Six regional teams will take part in the tournament.

He also stressed that despite his absence for ten years from the UAE, he always kept a close watch on the UAE Pro League and the national team.

“I follow the UAE Pro League closely and I kind of know the performances of the players. I have a great respect for the previous coach. I will take the rest of the information from him,” he said.

Throwing light on his contract with the UAE, Dalic said he has come to the country with long-term plans. “My contract will be for four years. I do not work on six-month or one -year contracts. I feel this project is nice. So, I am here for the next four years at least.

“I had other offers as well but I chose the UAE. As far as price is concerned, it is the last thing on my mind. Money is never my objective. It is a new challenge for me,” he informed.

Dalic also made clear that the team spirit would be the most important thing during his tenure.

“Anyone, who goes alone, will be out of the team. Follow my decision and be with the team. After the World Cup when I left Croatia it was a difficult time for me. When I got this project, I was very happy. I wanted a new challenge. “

Mohammad Abdullah, Senior Sports Reporter