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UEFA EURO 2008: Bilić keeps busy on busman's holiday

/noticias.info/ Croatia coach Slaven Bilić has returned home after visiting players based in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands during a week-long European tour.

Pranjić role
As well as attending a two-day workshop in Vienna for UEFA EURO 2008™ coaches, Bilić called on a number of the squad who helped Croatia reach the finals as Group E winners. In the Netherlands, the coach met with SC Heereveen midfielder Danijel Pranjić, who may be asked to deputise at left-back this summer. "I went for dinner with Pranjić and talked to his coach the next day," said Bilić, after discussing the idea with the 26-year-old. "He has fitted really well into the team and everyone respects him."

Germany visit
Next port of call was Germany, where the trainer held talks with Hamburger SV striker Ivica Olić before seeing BV Borussia Dortmund duo Mladen Petrić and Robert Kovač the following day. "Petrić is ready," said Bilić of a player who has scored eleven goals in 22 Bundesliga games this term. "I'm not worried about my defenders, Robert Kovač and Dario Šimić, because they will be in the right condition come the finals and are very experienced campaigners." In addition to these established names, the coach will also leave the door open for other players to come through: "Most of my squad for the EURO will be pretty obvious, but there are still players who can earn a place. For example, if [NK Zadar midfielder] Marin Tomasov does well between now and the season's end, I could call on him. The same applies to other players."

Hamburg rumours
Bilić also dealt with speculation about his future, having spoken to officials from Bundesliga club Hamburg during his trip. "I admit I talked to Hamburg about their coach's position, although most of our conversation was about Ivica Olić," he said. "They let me know they are interested and I am one of the candidates to coach them next season. Of course I am flattered that such a big club want me, but there has been no concrete offer." There are suggestions former NK Dinamo Zagreb coach Branko Ivanković could succeed Bilić after the EURO, yet Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Marković is hopeful the 39-year-old will remain in the role. "I don't know what Bilić's plans are, but our offer will be good," he said. notas_de_prensa_archivo