Bilić backs Croatia to come good

Controlled passion
Bilić has already guided his team to first place in qualifying Group 8, Croatia taking 25 points from ten fixtures and suffering only one defeat en route to winning the section by a six-point margin. The 37-year-old recognises, however, that the match at the FK Crvena Zvezda stadium in Belgrade represents the sternest test his side have faced, saying: "It's up to us to prepare the players for a match like this. The pressure is obvious, we're aware of that and we will try to use it in the right way. I want a passionate approach to the game but with cold heads."

Presidential recognition
Having won 44 caps for Croatia, Bilić – who spent the majority of his career at HNK Hajduk Split but also had spells with German side Karlsruher SC and English clubs West Ham United FC and Everton FC – is well placed to assess the potential of the players under his tutelage. "It's very good to hear Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Marković say there are five or six players in my team who are capable of playing for the senior side," he said.

Corluka expectations
"I was a good player, but [NK Dinamo Zagreb's] Vedran Corluka has the potential to be much better than me," the coach added. "If he improves in certain areas, which I have told him about, he will be the best Croatian defender since my era. He's in the class of Rio Ferdinand and I expect him to be much better than all of us. He just needs to improve his physical presence to be like Jaap Stam, for example."

Individual danger
Before thoughts turn to the future, though, there is the small matter of a two-legged play-off to be negotiated, and Bilić is understandably wary. "Serbia and Montenegro coach Dragan Okuka has five or six excellent individuals who can make the difference on their own, but they are also a strong team. I respect our opponents, but I am not afraid of them. I expect two excellent matches."

Asanović assistance
Bilić, who recently underwent surgery for back trouble, is ably assisted by Aljoša Asanović and says his former Croatia and Hajduk team-mate offers invaluable support. "It would be much easier for Aljoša to manage without me than me without Aljoša," he said. "But together we are strong, he shows me details that I miss. It was terrible immediately after my surgery, now it's much better. I can walk down the stairs already. But in Belgrade I should be careful - it would be crazy to celebrate a goal by running around, because I can't!"