On 31 July 2018, Nalić became the new manager of Bosnian Premier League club Sloboda Tuzla.[3] His first win as the club manager came on 11 August 2018, in the Tuzla derby against Tuzla City, which Sloboda won 1–0.[4] Nalić was praised for bringing a style in Bosnian football which it did not see before.
On 20 April 2019, Sloboda under Nalić also made a big result by beating Sarajevo 2–1 at home and getting back to the UEFA Europa League qualifying "picture".[5] However, poor results during the ending of the season meant an 8th-place finish for Sloboda, only 5 points more than 11th placed and relegated Krupa.[6]
On 3 June 2019, Nalić left Sloboda after his contract with the club expired.[7]
Tuzla City
On 11 March 2020, Sloboda's city rival, Tuzla City, announced Nalić as the club's new manager.[8] However, he did not get the chance to lead Tuzla in a match until 2 August 2020, because the 2019–20 Bosnian Premier League season was ended abruptly due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina.[9] When the match did come, on 2 August, Nalić's first official game as manager of Tuzla City did not however go to plan as the team lost to Široki Brijeg.[10] His first win as Tuzla City manager was a 1–0 league win against Krupa on 8 August 2020.[11]
Nalić left Tuzla City on 16 October 2020, after a 4–0 away loss to Zrinjski Mostar.[12]
Return to Sloboda Tuzla
Following Sloboda's relegation to the First League of FBiH in the 2022–23 Premier League season, Nalić returned to manage the club in July 2023.[13] His first competitive game back in charge of Sloboda was a 3–2 home win against Rudar Kakanj on 12 August 2023.[14] He guided the side to promotion to the Premier League after winning the First League of FBiH in the 2023–24 season.[15]
On 25 July 2024, it was announced by Sloboda that Nalić had left the club by mutual consent, prior to the start of the 2024–25 Premier League season.[16]
Second return to Sloboda Tuzla
In October 2024, it was revealed that Nalić returned to manage Sloboda for the third time, just three months after his sudden departure.[17] Following losing all nine games since his return, Nalić was sacked by the club's board in December 2024.[18]
Personal life
Zlatan is the son of Sloboda Tuzla legend Mesud Nalić. Nalić's son, Adi, is also a professional footballer.