Miroslav Blazevic dead aged 87: Legendary former Croatia boss nicknamed ‘coach of all coaches’ passes away
LEGENDARY former Croatia manager Miroslav Blazevic has died aged 87 after a long illness.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina-born star played for the likes of Dinamo Zagreb, Lokomotiv Zagreb, FK Sarajevo, HNK Rijeka and Swiss teams FC Sion and FC Moutier during his 12-year playing career from 1954.
AP:Associated PressMiroslav Blazevic pictured being held by, Zvonimir Boban (L) and Vladimir Vasilj after securing third-place at the World Cup 98[/caption]
AlamyFormer Croatia manager Blazevic has passed away[/caption]
But it was as a manager that he really made his name.
He led Croatia to the quarter-finals of Euro ‘96.
However, undoubtedly his crowning moment came two years later when he secured a third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup.
Blazevic, who would have turned 88 on Friday, had a long managerial career across Europe which lasted from 1968 right up until 2015.
It began at Swiss minnows Vevey and ended in Croatia with Zadar.
During that period he also coached the Switzerland national team briefly before spells in charge of Iran and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as China’s U23 side.
He also enjoyed three periods at the helm of Dinamo Zagreb.
Blazevic was held in the highest esteem by Croatian football fans, who nicknamed him “trener svih trenera” – which means the “coach of all coaches”.
He also enjoyed success at Grasshopper Zurich and led them to the Swiss title while he also took charge of French side Nantes and Greek giants PAOK FC.
As news broke of his passing, a host of tributes poured in to the icon.
One fan wrote: “Farewell to a legend.”
Another tweeted: “Coach of all coaches, Miroslav ‘Ćiro’ Blažević, has died at the age of 87.
“Immense character, terrific coach and a master of getting things in motion.”
While another added: “Legendary Croatian coach Miroslav Ćiro Blažević has died, a day before his 88th birthday, after long battle with cancer.
“For me and my generation, he is and will be the epitome of a football coach. His biggest achievement was winning our first ever World Cup medal. RIP Ćiro.”
More to follow…
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