World Cup 2018: Top 10 Managers of the tournament

#1 Zlatko Dalic

Dalic managed to pull the players together to fight for that coveted trophy

There is nothing remarkable about Zlatko Dalic. Unlike Cisse, he never captained his country. His team doesn’t play a wonderful attacking style like Martinez’s.

Unlike Deschamps, he never lifted the World Cup as a player- in fact, he never even played in the tournament.

His most high-profile club management job was in Abu Dhabi. Dalic doesn’t have a trademarkable accessory like Cherchesov’s moustache or Southgate’s waistcoat.

Yet what Dalic does have is the man-management and tactical acumen to take Croatia to their first World Cup final. In a team where many players are involved in a corruption scandal, (including Luka Modric and Dejan Lovren), Dalic managed to pull the players together to fight for that coveted trophy.

While Croatia’s attack was often inefficient, Dalic’s use of two wingers was vindicated as Ivan Perisic and Ante Rebic were among the Vatreni’s best players against England in a famous semi-final.

Meanwhile, his use of Marcelo Brozovic provided Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic with the freedom to create chances.

On paper, Croatia’s defence seems rather ordinary, but in reality, it has been excellent as Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida have flourished under Dalic’s tutelage.

In the end, Dalic’s tactics did not work in the World Cup final as a combination of luck and superior talent helped France triumph in Moscow. Yet, Dalic can extremely be proud of how he took his tiny nation to the biggest stage in football. That fairytale story makes him the best manager of the World Cup.

---

Do you agree with our list? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!