World NewsKranjcar: Bilic Can Be a Special One |
CROATIA midfielder Niko Kranjcar believes Slaven Bilic has the potential to rub shoulders with Jose Mourinho among the managerial heavyweights of the world.
Bilic took Croatia to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 before dramatically losing on penalties against Turkey on Friday, and he is considered one of the top young bosses around.Portsmouth midfielder Kranjcar feels Bilic has the attributes to prove himself to be one of the best, as Mourinho has done in recent years.
"If he gets those results then he would be on the same level, he has the personality and the knowledge to be up there with him," said Kranjcar.
"Obviously he had a great football career as a player and his backroom staff are a great supporting team for him as well.
"He knows everything about football, there's nothing in football for him to find."
Bilic led the celebrations down the touchline when Croatia took the lead in the 119th minute against Turkey, only for Fatih Terim's team to get an equaliser at the death and eventually win on penalties.
It is believed his contract to coach his country earns Bilic a fraction of what he could command at a Barclays Premier League club.
Croatia players, however, have pleaded with Bilic to remain as manager and fulfil his deal to take them to the 2010 World Cup.
"He's a great coach and a great person and we hope he stays as our national coach," said defender Josip Simunic.
"For sure, clubs will be interested because he has shown his quality for the last few years now. We're very happy that we can have him as our coach."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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