Goran Tomić

Goran Tomić (pronounced [ɡǒran tômitɕ, - tǒː-];[1][2] born 18 March 1977) is a Croatian professional football manager and former player. He most recently managed Croatian First Football League club NK Lokomotiva.

Goran Tomić
Tomić in 2015
Personal information
Date of birth (1977-03-18) 18 March 1977
Place of birth Šibenik, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia
Height 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s) Forward
Youth career
Šibenik
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1994–1997 Šibenik 44 (6)
1997–2001 Vicenza 12 (2)
1997–1998 → AEK Athens (loan) 6 (0)
1998–1999 → Reggina (loan) 23 (3)
2001–2005 FC Salzburg 64 (19)
2005–2006 Lierse S.K. 1 (0)
2006 Henan Construction 4 (0)
Total 154 (30)
National team
1997 Croatia U21 11 (1)
Teams managed
2011–2013 Šibenik
2013–2015 Beijing Baxy
2015 Tianjin Songjiang
2016 Zhejiang Yiteng
2016 Šibenik (caretaker)
2016 Istra 1961
2016–2017 Shenzhen (assistant)
2017–2021 Lokomotiva
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

He started his managerial career with his hometown club HNK Šibenik in the Croatian First League in 2011. His previous managerial successes came while at Lokomotiva between 2017 and 2021.[3]

Playing career

Tomić started his professional football career at his hometown club HNK Šibenik of the Croatian Croatian First League where he grew up no more than 50 meters away from the Šubićevac stadium. He progressed through all the age groups within the club before finally breaking into the first team in 1994. In 1997 he moved to Vicenza which paid €700,000 for his servicesy. He played just under 30 games in Serie A for both Reggina and Vicenza scoring three goals in the process. His most successful spell was between 2001 and 2005 in the Austrian Bundesliga, playing over 60 times for FC Salzburg scoring 19 goals. He had a rather short and forgettable stint with Lierse S.K. in Belgium, before ending his career in 2006 due to a lingering foot injury, after a short spell with Chinese League One club Henan Construction.[4]

Managerial career

Šibenik

Following his retirement as a player, Tomić was first appointed as head coach of the HNK Šibenik under-19 team in September 2009. One year later he moved into the role of first team assistant manager. On 1 September 2011, Vjekoslav Lokica departed the club and Tomić realized a boyhood dream, being appointed as new manager of the club.[5]

In the 2011–12 season, Tomić's inaugural season with the club, due to serious financial problems, Šibenik were relegated to Druga HNL. On 12 February 2013, Tomić resigned from the club after accepting an offer of a three-year contract to take up a position in China.[6]

Beijing Baxy

Chinese League One side Beijing Baxy had just been relegated with 31 points, losing half of their fixtures and finishing 15th of 16 teams. However, due to the merge of Chinese Super League sides Dalian Shide and Dalian Aerbin, they were spared from relegation to the third tier in order to preserve the integrity and stability of the Chinese Leagues.[7] On 26 February 2013, Tomić was officially announced as new manager of Beijing Baxy.[8]

During the 2013 season, Baxy were widely expected to struggle, the aim of the season was to steady the ship and avoid relegation. Although the core of the side relegated in 2012 remained, marquee signings came in the form of Ryan Griffiths and Lucian Goian, whilst fellow Croatian Antonio Cinotti was added to the backroom staff. Tomić managed to guide Baxy not only clear of relegation, but to the highest place finish in the club's history, finishing in a very respectable 7th position (P30, W11, D8, L11 – 41 pts).

The aim for the 2014 season was to improve on 2013 by finishing in the top 6 and in preparation for this Tomić drafted in Ivica Matas to join his backroom staff.[9] Baxy also proudly announced the news of four signings from Super League teams whom joined up with the squad for pre-season training in South Korea. Shortly after returning to China however all four players had returned to their original clubs, and with other first team players also leaving in the off season, including Ryan Griffiths, preparations for the new season were plunged into crisis as the squad was left threadbare.[10]

Beijing Baxy 3-year progress (2012–14): Tomić was in charge for both the 2013 & 2014 seasons

Despite these challenges during pre-season, having less preparation time relative to other teams in the league, Baxy consistently performed above all expectations. An unprecedented run of 22 games undefeated, meant that Baxy were being touted as serious contenders for promotion to the Super League. Tomić had found a blend of foreign aid and Chinese talent meaning they were fighting for promotion all the way to the final day of the season. Eventually finishing in 4th position (P30, W14, D13, L3 – 55 pts), for the second straight year they recorded the highest classification in the club's history.

For his achievements in 2014, Tomić won the Chinese League One Coach of the Year award, receiving nearly 60% of the entire voting[11] whilst Baxy also had two players elected into the Team of the Year.

Beijing Baxy's continual progression and improvement under Tomić was well noted within China. The club drew new investment from both Yanjing Beer and the Beijing Enterprises Group, promising funds to help turn Baxy into a team competing for continental prizes.[12][13] Beijing Enterprises Group completed the take over of Beijing Baxy at the end of the 2014 season. Along with a new name, new crest and new club colours, came the decision to opt for a new, higher profile coach. Tomić left Beijing Baxy in January 2015.

Tomić in 2015 with Beijing Baxy

Tianjin Songjiang

Tomić took charge of Tianjin Songjiang on 11 May 2015, with the club rooted to the foot of the Chinese League One table after only picking up 4 points from 8 games.

Tianjin Songjiang 2015 progress under Goran Tomić

His arrival had an instant impact, as in the first 9 games in charge the team went on an impressive 5 game unbeaten run and lost only once (in controversial circumstances to Xinjiang).[14] With the leaky defence beginning to seal its holes, Tomić turned his focus to finding an improved attacking threat. He successfully tempted former England U19 and Coventry City striker Frank Nouble to join the ranks,[15] somewhat of a coup for a Chinese League One side. Nouble formed a nice partnership with Mario Lucio and the pair sparked another good run, picking up 10 points in 5 games including victories over much stronger opposition in Dalian (4th), Qingdao Jonoon (2nd) and a very meaningful point against Tomić's former employers Beijing BG.

This inspiring haul of points was enough to claw themselves comfortably out of the relegation zone and with the attention from the local media looking on, the focus of the team soon switched from looking over their shoulder at a relegation battle, to a push for a top half finish.

Tomić's success in Songjiang had also caught the attention of the Quanjian Natural Medicine Group, whose major sponsorship deal with Songjiang's larger footballing brother, Tianjin TEDA, had just broken down.[16] The ambition of Quanjian to remain involved in Tianjin sport and the improved position of Tianjin Songjiang under Tomić led to Quanjian completing a takeover of Tianjin Songjiang for the 2016 season.

Tianjin continued to push up the table, but with the need to blood young Chinese talent ready for the 2016 season, the absence of its foreign aid stalled the charge, Tianjin ended the 2015 season in a very a respectful ninth position and were notably the only side to beat eventual runaway champions Yanbian in their own back yard.

With the takeover confirmed, Tomić once again had to endure the consequence of his own success. The new owners promised an increased transfer budget, and stated their ambition of promotion in 2016, by bringing in their own personnel. Just like in Beijing, Tomić was to be replaced as manager, this time by former Real Madrid and Brazil coach, Vanderlei Luxemburgo,[17] but not before the club issued a very complementary press release. The club stated they were extremely grateful for Tomić's efforts in turning the club around and preventing its relegation, in a period of just 150 days. It went on to state that no matter which direction the club would take in the future, it would never forget Tomić's contribution in 2015.

Zhejiang Yiteng

Having cemented his reputation in China, Tomić continued his managerial reign in the country, signing a deal to take charge of Chinese League One side Zhejiang Yiteng on 10 January 2016. However, on 22 March 2016, after only two games in charge, Zhejiang Yiteng announced that due to personal reasons, Tomić would leave the club by mutual consent.[18]

Temporary return to Šibenik

Tomić returned home as a spectator to watch HNK Šibenik in the final game of the 2015–16 Croatian Second League regular season, with Šibenik needed a win against leaders HNK Cibalia to secure direct promotion to the first tier. The game finished 0–0 and Šibenik would need to attempt to gain promotion via the playoff route. Whilst leaving the stadium, Šibenik approached Tomić with a request that he consider taking the position to lead the team during the 10-day playoff period. Tomić accepted the opportunity to act as Šibenik caretaker manager, and is quoted as saying "I could not refuse this club".[19]

The opponents in the playoff were 9th placed Prva HNL side Istra 1961. Šibenik was at home for the 1st leg and contrary to expectation had both the lions share of possession and created more goal scoring opportunities than their higher tiered counterparts. Despite this Istra took an early second half lead, though an 87th-minute equaliser set up a tasty second leg.[20]

The second leg was a tight and nervy game with hardly anything to separate the two sides. Šibenik held a lead for all of 2 minutes before being pegged back. The tie finished 1–1 after extra time, 2–2 on aggregate and ended in the lottery of a penalty shootout. Tomić's side, despite a heroic effort to upset the odds, suffered a heart breaking 5–4 defeat on penalties.[21]

Istra 1961

Impressed by the progress shown at Šibenik during the playoffs, Istra 1961 approached Tomić to employ his services as manager for the 2016–17 season. On 22 July 2016, Tomić took charge of the club.[22]

Istra 1961 league progress 2015 through 2016

At the time of being appointed, Istra 1961 was on run that was not just a downward spiral, they were in free fall. Experiencing a run lasting more than 10 months and consisting of 28 consecutive competitive fixtures without a win. During this period they managed to find the net only 11 times, whilst conceding 46. The expectation then for the 2016–17 season was simple, avoid relegation.

Tomić started his reign with three draws in the first four games, immediately stopping the run of seven consecutive competitive defeats prior to his arrival, laying solid foundations to build upon. Building which began with a couple of shrewd attacking additions in the form of Brazilian Mário Lúcio and Nigerian Theophilus Solomon, both of whom had worked under Tomić previously.

Games that Istra 1961 would perhaps have previously lost, were now being turned into draws and points were being picked up. Even the narrow 1–2 defeat to the higher ranked giant of Dinamo Zagreb showed that progress was being made. The win-less streak was finally snapped with two widely convincing league wins (3–0, 4–1) on the spin.

With the steady progress being made in Croatia, his reputation in China and Chinese clubs preparing for the start of their new 2017 season, it was perhaps expected then that offers from Chinese clubs began to come in. These were regularly turned down by Tomić opting to stay with NK Istra to continue what was turning into a good season. However one phone call with an offer "too good to refuse" would change Tomić's career path. The legendary Sven-Göran Eriksson had offered assistant manager position to Tomić at Shenzhen FC.[23]

Comparing Tomić's 15 league games in charge with the same time period prior to his arrival shows marked progress. Prior to his arrival, Istra 1961 had an average goal difference of -1.54 per game, picking up an average of 0.26 points per game. Contrasting this under Tomić's leadership, the average goal difference improved to -0.14 (+1.40) and the points per game increased to 1.20 (+0.94).

Tomić left Istra 1961 sitting in fifth place of the Prva HNL with a squad of players in a strong position to achieve its goal of avoiding relegation. Istra 1961 eventually secured a 6th-place finish, although did see a small drop in performance after Tomić departed, averaging 0.1 points per game less than when Tomić was in charge (1.1 v. 1.2).

Shenzhen FC

On 5 December 2016, Sven-Göran Eriksson appointed Tomić as his assistant manager at Chinese League One side Shenzhen FC as they embarked on the challenge following the outgoing Clarence Seedorf.[24]

Shenzhen were largely tipped for promotion in 2017, and the pre-season marquee signings of Harold Preciado and Chinedu Obasi helped fire Shenzhen straight to the top of the league. An opening day 6-0 victory against Dalian Transcendence and a procession of 5 straight wins (outscoring opponents 18-5 in the process), had all the hallmarks of a positive season ahead. However the side drew 5 and lost 3 in the next 8 games and with the early season baseline being set so high, Shenzhen decided to part ways with Sven and his backroom staff, leaving the club in 4th place after 13 games.[25]

Lokomotiva

On 27 December 2017, Tomić signed with Croatian First League side NK Lokomotiva.[26]

Tomić mastered arguably the shock of the 2017–18 season with a 4–1 away victory at league leaders Dinamo Zagreb, becoming the first manager in the club's history to achieve this feat. Prior to this occasion, Lokomotiva had met their Zagreb brothers 27 times competitively, losing in 26 of those encounters.[27] Tomić also went on to guide his young Lokomotiva side to a semi-final appearance in the Croatian Cup, eventually losing on penalties after a 1–1 draw with Hajduk Split.[28] Lokomotiva topped the form table as the 17/18 season came to a conclusion, going undefeated in their last 8, which included victories over the top two Rijeka and Dinamo Zagreb for a second time during the campaign. Acknowledgement of Tomić's achievements this season came in the form of his nomination by the Croatian Football Federation for Croatian Manager of the Year.[29]

On 25 July 2020, defeating Osijek 2–1, Lokomotiva achieved the biggest success in its history, coming in second in the 2019–20 national league championship.[30] Finishing in second place in the domestic league championship, Lokomotiva drew Rapid Wien in the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League second qualifying round,[31] but lost from them at home on 26 August, (0–1).[32]

Tomić left Lokomotiva on 9 January 2021.[33]

Managerial statistics
As of match played 13 December 2020
Club Nat From To Record
PWDLGFGA+/-Win %
Šibenik 1 September 2011 12 February 2013 41 12 14 15 43 48 −5 029.27
Beijing Baxy 26 February 2013 14 January 2015 60 25 21 14 80 69 +11 041.67
Tianjin Songjiang 11 May 2015 1 November 2015 22 8 8 6 22 19 +3 036.36
Zhejiang Yiteng 10 January 2016 22 March 2016 2 0 0 2 2 7 −5 000.00
Šibenik (caretaker) 22 May 2016 30 May 2016 2 0 2 0 2 2 +0 000.00
Istra 1961 22 July 2016 December 2016 17 5 6 6 21 23 −2 029.41
Lokomotiva 27 December 2017 9 January 2021 114 49 28 37 170 139 +31 042.98
Total 259 99 79 81 341 307 +34 038.22

Honours

Manager

Individual

References
  1. "gòra". Hrvatski jezični portal (in Serbo-Croatian). Retrieved 21 March 2018. Gòran
  2. "Tȍma". Hrvatski jezični portal (in Serbo-Croatian). Retrieved 21 March 2018. Tȍmić (Tómić)
  3. "Lokomotiva se oprostila od trenera Tomića: Zadužio nas je, zauvijek smo mu zahvalni". Index.hr (in Croatian). 9 January 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  4. 托米奇遗憾回国无缘建业 球队加紧新外援引进
  5. Lokica smijenjen! Na klupu došao Tomić!
  6. Jurica, Ivana (12 February 2013). "Goran Tomić odlazi u Kinu, mjesto prvog trenera preuzima Ivo Šupe". sportnet.rtl.hr. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  7. "关于增补相关俱乐部球队参加2013年中超、中甲的通知". Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  8. 八喜官方宣布新任主帅 克罗地亚少帅托米奇掌舵
  9. Cukrov ostaje trener, Petković umjesto Matasa
  10. 八喜突变！新签4内援恐全部离队 申花旧将重返上海
  11. 2014中甲最佳教练员评选
  12. 燕京啤酒成八喜胸前广告赞助商 期待球队能够冲超
  13. 北京八喜期待来年
  14. League One Round 14 Wrap: High Farce in Xinjiang, Yanbian Keep on Winning...
  15. Former Coventry City striker Frank Nouble joins Chinese side Tianjin Songjiang
  16. The partnership between QuanJian and Teda comes to an end
  17. Former Real Madrid Boss Luxemburgo to Coach China League Team
  18. 托米奇先生于近日正式与俱乐部解约
  19. "Goran Tomić preuzima momčad: 'Nisam mogao odbiti svoj klub'". Šibenik.in. 22 May 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  20. Šibenik vs. Istra 1961 1-1
  21. Istra 1961 vs. Šibenik 1-1
  22. "Goran Tomić novi trener Istre 1961". NK Istra 1961. 22 July 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  23. Tomić napustio Istru: Takva ponuda se dobiva jednom u životu
  24. Goal doznaje: Goran Tomić pomoćnik Sven-Görana Erikssona!
  25. Eriksson sacked in China via poem
  26. "Goran Tomić novi je trener Lokomotive". NK Lokomotiva. 27 December 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  27. A Zagreb Miracle! Lokomotiva Defeats Dinamo for First Time in History
  28. Hajduk Advances to Croatian Cup Final after Defeating Lokomotiva on Penalties
  29. "Popis nominacija za trofej HNS-a". Croatian Football Federation. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  30. "LOKOMOTIVA JE DRUGA! Osijek - Lokomotiva 1:2". NK Lokomotiva. 25 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  31. "U 2. pretkolu Lige Prvaka protiv bečkog Rapida". NK Lokomotiva. 10 August 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  32. "Lokomotiva bez 3. pretkola Lige prvaka, Rapid slavio u Kranjčevićevoj". sport.hrt.hr. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  33. "Goran Tomić više nije trener NK Lokomotive". NK Lokomotiva. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  34. "Goran Tomić trener mjeseca". glas-slavonije.hr (in Croatian). Retrieved 12 January 2021.
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