Halilhodzic takes over as Dinamo Zagreb coach

ZAGREB (AFP) – Colourful Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic is set to sign a two-and-a-half year contract to coach Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb he announced on Monday.

The 57-year-old former Ivory Coast coach replaces Velimir Zajec who was fired last Monday following Dinamo’s poor start to the season which saw them exit the Champions League prior to the lucrative group stages.

“I am still surprised with these developments and I am very happy to become Dinamo’s coach,” Halilhodzic told reporters in Zagreb.

“I have known this team for years and I have been monitoring it. I come here with a great desire and great ambitions… to lead Dinamo into the Champions League.

“I am convinced Dinamo can be successful and this is my project,” added Halilhodzic, who was fired as Ivory Coast coach after they had a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Dinamo have nade their worst start to a season in 20 years and are just sixth in the table with only seven points after four matches.

They also bowed out of the Champions League in the third qualifying round at the hands of European minnows Moldova’s Sheriff Tiraspol.