Being in the position of Ratko Rudić’s successor is not an easy task—whoever takes on that role will have a significant challenge ahead.

These remarks were made by Ivica Tucak, who once attempted to convey the difficulties the Croatian coach would face following the departure of Rudić, the most decorated water polo coach and a true legend.

What the then assistant to Rudić and coach of Jadran from Herceg Novi did not foresee was that he would be entrusted with this prestigious yet formidable task…

After Rudić secured gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Tucak assumed command of the national team.

From the outset, the overshadowing presence of Rudić loomed large, with many expressing doubts about the coach from Šibenik. Criticism intensified after the “Barracudas” failed to clinch a single title during Tucak’s first four years in charge.

Although there were medals, such as bronze at the 2013 World Championships, early eliminations in the quarter-finals of European Championships in 2014 and 2016, along with painful final losses at the 2016 Olympics and the previous year’s World Championships in Kazan, marked this period…

Despite this, Tucak, who endured a profound family tragedy (his daughter tragically passed away at just three and a half years old), is no stranger to resilience and has shown an unwavering determination…

A year after the heartbreak in Rio, he guided Croatia to global success, triumphing on the revered water polo ground of Margitsiget in Budapest. His expertise was confirmed as he earned accolades for his achievements.

He led Croatia to European glory in 2022, and despite facing heart surgery at the start of this year—returning to training just a day after the procedure—he navigated the team to two finals.

In January, he settled for silver at the European Championships in Zagreb but bounced back to secure the World Championship title in Doha just a month later.

This level of success is highlighted by the fact that Croatia has appeared in four World Cup finals across its history, with Tucak on the bench for three of them—making the “Barracudas” three-time world champions and securing two titles under his guidance.

In total, he has delivered 16 medals to Croatia—referred to as “Tucak’s 16” by “Jutarnji list.”

Now, like his predecessor, he aspires to achieve his ultimate goal at the Olympics…

“That’s my life’s desire, and I’ve stated it before. I see it as my mission, my journey. I want to win Olympic gold and won’t rest until it’s in my collection. Naturally, I hope it will be with the Croatian national team—that’s my dream…once the Olympics are achieved, I can retire,” Tucak expressed after returning from Doha.

Rudić: Doubt Initially Cast Upon Him

Twelve years after taking over from Ratko Rudić, Ivica Tucak remains at the helm—a figure whom few expected to last, yet has endured and achieved virtually all accolades.

“It’s tough to recall my initial expectations of Ivica—I anticipated he would produce favorable results, which he has. While there were some skeptical comments regarding his capabilities, he has proven himself. He has demonstrated that he is an exceptional coach capable of leading the national team to numerous medals,” Rudić remarked in recent interviews with Croatian media.

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