---
title: "Slaven Bilić Bets on Modrić: The Top Priority of the New Croatia National Team Coach"
description: "Slaven Bilić has returned to the post of coach of the Croatia national team and immediately identified his main goal: to retain Luka Modrić. The 57-year-old specialist admitted that he and the team legend have been in touch all year, and now intends to persuade the 40-year-old midfielder to continue playing. 🇭🇷⚽"
date: 2026-07-20T10:38:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/slaven-bilic-bets-on-modric-the-top-priority-of-the-new-croatia-national-team-coach
tags: [slaven-bilic, luka-modric, croatia-national-team, goal-com]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Slaven Bilić Bets on Modrić: The Top Priority of the New Croatia National Team Coach

![Slaven Bilić and Luka Modrić shake hands at a Croatia national team training session — symbol of the new coach’s trust in the captain](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/20/slaven-bilic-sdelal-stavku-na-modricha-glavny-prioritet-novogo-trenera-sbornoj-horvatii/slaven-bilic-sdelal-stavku-na-modricha-glavny-prioritet-novogo-trenera-sbornoj-horvatii-1.webp)

Slaven Bilić, who has returned to the position of head coach of the Croatia national team, has outlined his immediate priorities. The 57-year-old specialist, beginning his second stint in charge of the national squad, places the preservation of his key asset—Luka Modrić—at the forefront. According to Goal.com, the coach intends to persuade the Ballon d'Or winner to continue playing for the "checkered" team.

### A Personal Conversation as Strategy

At his first press conference, Bilić did not hide that his focus is on a dialogue with the legend of Croatian football. He clearly distinguished the stages of his work: first, it is necessary to get the coaching staff functioning, and then—speak personally with the players, and primarily with Modrić.

"My first step is to get the staff working. The second is to talk to the players, especially Luka Modrić. We all know who he is. The decision is entirely up to him, considering everything he represents for football and the national team. He is far more than just the best player in our team's history," stated Slaven Bilić.

### A Year-Long Dialogue Without Pressure

The relationship between the coach and the midfielder did not break even during the period between appointments. Bilić revealed that he and the 40-year-old footballer maintained regular contact over the past year. Now, having the official status of head coach, the specialist intends to do everything possible to keep the veteran in the team for another qualification cycle.

At the same time, Bilić made it clear that he does not intend to put pressure on the player. Understanding that Modrić has not yet decided on his future career, the coach emphasizes the importance of the footballer's personal choice, who remains a key figure for the Croatia national team.