GNK Dinamo Zagreb coach Mario Kovačević has outlined his views following the team's Champions League play-off defeat and subsequent Europa League placement, emphasizing a match-by-match approach. Ahead of Saturday's HNL clash with Istra 1961 in Pula, Kovačević analyzed the European campaign and upcoming challenges in an interview reported by gnkdinamo.hr.
What did he say about the match in Norway?
Dinamo lost 3-1 to Viking in Stavanger on Wednesday in the Champions League play-off, sending the Norwegian side to the group stage and moving Zagreb to the Europa League. Kovačević stated the team deserved a bit more over the two legs. "I think we deserved a little more in these two Champions League play-off matches, but that's football," the coach said. He noted the opponent punished Dinamo's two mistakes, which is often decisive at the elite level. Despite the disappointment, securing a Europa League spot remains an important step for the club.
What does the Europa League schedule look like?
The draw for the Europa League league phase was held on Friday afternoon in Nyon. Dinamo will play eight matches, four at Maksimir Stadium and four away. The home fixtures are against Bayer Leverkusen, Anderlecht, Sturm, and NEC Nijmegen. Away matches will be against Sunderland, AZ Alkmaar, Rennes, and Hapoel Beer Sheva. Kovačević told the players after returning from Norway that he wants to see a step forward in the Europa League compared to last season. "I can and must demand more from them than last season. I believe in this team regardless of some mistakes we make," he declared. The coach demands the team be better in Europe.
What is the squad's fitness status before Pula?
Dinamo travelled directly from Norway to Pula, with just two and a half days between matches. The game in Stavanger was played on artificial turf, which took a toll. Several players have swollen legs, and some feel back pain. Miha Zajc has the most problems, but other players should be available. Newcomers Kirill Kravtsov and Noah Nsoki should also be ready for action. The coach said the squad situation is mostly fine despite the demanding schedule.
What does he expect from the match against Istra 1961?
Dinamo's next challenge is a 5th round SuperSport HNL match against Istra 1961 in Pula on Saturday at 6:30 PM. Dinamo enters this match on a streak of 26 league matches without defeat. Interestingly, that streak started after they dropped points in Pula. Istra defeated Dinamo 2-1 in Pula last November, which was the Zagreb club's last league defeat. Kovačević highlighted that Istra plays interesting and beautiful football, especially in the attacking phase, and has excellent young players. Dinamo currently tops the table with 9 points from three games, having scored 9 goals and conceded just one. Their last result was a 2-0 win over NK Slaven Belupo on July 31st, and their recent form over the last three games shows two wins and one draw. The next league fixture after Pula is an away match against second-placed NK Osijek on September 12th, which you can follow on our fixtures page.
How is Dinamo positioning itself for the rest of the season?
Kovačević made it clear the focus is on one match at a time. The combination of European commitments and the domestic title race requires concentration. The coach believes the team will get better and better, both in Europe and in the championship. Their current leading position in the standings provides confidence, but they are aware of the challenges ahead. Maintaining player fitness through a busy calendar is key, which you can monitor via our injuries page. Dinamo aims to make a step forward in the Europa League while maintaining dominance in the domestic league.
