Former West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic admits he’s open to a return to English football despite turning down Blackburn Rovers.
Bilic is out of work after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Fateh in the summer of 2024 and hasn’t worked in England since he was sacked by Watford in March 2023.
Indeed, Bilic was recently linked with a return to West Ham as manager back in January, when it looked as if Nuno Espirito Santo was heading for the sack.
However, Nuno has turned things around for now. As such, Bilic was being linked with the likes of Blackburn Rovers.
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Speaking to Sky Sports News, Bilic confirmed he didn’t want to take over at Ewood Park at this stage of the season. Blackburn are 19th in the Championship table and are at genuine risk of relegation to League One.
He said: “I decided at this stage of the season, it wasn’t the right moment to go. That was my decision based on that.
“I was interested, it’s always nice to be linked with clubs from England.”
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Bilic, however, did confirm that he’d be open to managing in England again.
“If the club is right and the moment is right, why not?
“It’s a great job and it was always my area, it is my second tongue.
“We will see what happens.”
Slaven Bilic during West Ham United v Southampton - Premier League
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Slaven Bilic’s record as West Ham United manager
Bilic is a hugely popular figure among West Ham fans, having also played for the club earlier in his career.
Appointed in 2015, the former Croatia international managed 105 games for the club and amassed a win percentage of 38.5%.
Bilic delivered some fantastic moments for West Ham fans but was sacked in November 2017 after a poor run of results.
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How West Ham United feel about Slaven Bilic now
Nuno, so far at least, has staved off the pressure that at one point looked like it would prove to be insurmountable.
There’s certainly no reason to suggest that the current West Ham head coach is in any danger of losing his job. Nuno, after all, could yet keep the Irons in the Premier League.
Still, perhaps Bilic could come back one day.
Hammers News understands that David Sullivan retains a good relationship with Bilic.
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