Premier League
Man City Forced Into Backroom Reshuffle As Director Of Football Quits
In seismic news for the defending Premier League champions, Manchester City’s, director of football, Txiki Begiristain, has announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the current season.
In his 12 years with the Citizens, Manchester’s other team has dominated English football winning seven Premier League including the famed treble in the 2022/23 season.
Begiristain (pictured), a former, highly accomplished player with Real Sociedad and Barcelona amongst others has been attached to the hip with, City boss, Pep Guardiola almost his entire career, and was instrumental in Guardiola joining the City project in 2016.
The timing of his departure has certainly raised eyebrows. With City facing 115 charges related to the breaching of financial rules which may include possible unprecedented financial penalties, a massive points deduction and even expulsion from the Premier League, Begiristain’s move could look like he’s jumping ship.
An added headache for City is that the clock is ticking on Guardiola’s contract. He has praised Begiristain many times saying, “we work together incredibly well. When we win, we try to analyze why. When we lose, we try to analyze why. We don’t judge the other one. We both work for the best of the club.”
With Guardiola potentially leaving the club at the end of the season, City are facing the loss of the two most important cogs in their off-field operations.
Not wanting to be caught unprepared, they have made a move by hiring Hugo Viana who is the current director of football with Portuguese giants, Sporting Lisbon. He will shadow, Begiristain, over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to taking over full-time in June.
Viana has had great success in this role and has developed a reputation as someone who can recognize talent and has made the club a lot of money in the transfer market. The Academy programme at Sporting is widely lauded as one of the best in world football.
Perhaps, more importantly, Viana also has Premier League experience having played with Newcastle United becoming the most expensive teenage signing when he joined the club from Sporting for £8.5 million in 2002.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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