Former Dynamo strategist: "I have nothing against foreign coaches, this is the only correct selection criterion"

A former coach of Dinamo Zagreb, Željko Kopić, has expressed his views on the selection criteria for head coaches in Croatian football, stating that he does not oppose foreign coaches but believes the sole valid criterion should be the qualifications and suitability for the role. His comments come amid ongoing discussions within the broader football community about whether local coaches must have more impressive resumes than their international counterparts to secure top positions. Kopic, who previously led clubs such as Zagreb under the patronage of Drazen Medic, Slaven Belupo, Hajduk and Dinamo, left behind traces of his influence on almost every team he worked with. However, it was only after moving abroad that he truly demonstrated his value. His tenure at Dinamo Bucharest could be described as akin to completing a master’s thesis, and his subsequent consideration for the position of national coach of Romania served as a kind of academic accolade. When asked whether a Croatian coach must possess a better resume than a Portuguese, Italian or Spanish counterpart to earn the same job, Kopic partially agreed. He noted that on the coaching market, specialists from Spain, Portugal or Italy are highly valued. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Croatian coaches also hold their own value, recognized on the global stage and respected for their quality work across different geographical areas. Regarding whether Croatian coaches are still perceived as individuals or represent a recognizable school of thought, Kopic suggested they are recognized, though primarily in an individual context. He pointed out that the success of certain national schools, those rooted in specific styles of play, principles and training methods, is often associated with countries known for producing world-class coaches. Names such as Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti exemplify this trend, representing national brands on the global coaching market. He further explained that foreign coaches are often initially more appealing due to the lack of preconceived notions about them, which increases public interest. Many Croatian coaches begin their careers on home soil, and throughout their journey, they must navigate both positive and negative phases. This process is common in Croatian football, where there is little tolerance for prolonged periods without employment. As a result, the turnover rate among coaches is high, and many potentially talented individuals fail to endure the competitive nature of the market. In response to the situation of several prominent Croatian coaches currently without jobs, including Tudor, Dalić, Bjelica, Bišćan, Jovićević, Jurčić and himself, Kopic stated that all these coaches have offers and are seriously considered on the market. None of them find themselves in situations where they must accept any project, regardless of its merits. Much depends on timing, and it is entirely normal for coaches to experience periods without employment during their careers, waiting for opportunities they believe will best serve their professional goals.