Zvonimir Boban has admitted that GNK Dinamo Zagreb made errors in shaping the squad for this season. The club now has the task of solving three key issues before the transfer window closes: goalkeeper, midfield, and wingers. Dinamo currently sits third in the HNL with 10 points from four games, on a run of a draw and three wins, and trails leaders NK Osijek by just two points.
This analysis was provided by Index.hr Sport, which detailed the situation within the club. Dinamo has scored 11 goals and conceded only three, showing a solid defensive setup, but internal issues persist. The next challenge is a home match against HNK Gorica on September 5th, and all information on upcoming fixtures can be found on our fixtures page.
What are the main squad weaknesses?
Dinamo faces a lack of a reliable first-choice goalkeeper. The current options, Ivan Nevistić and Ivan Filipović, are under heavy pressure due to inconsistent performances. Danijel Zagorac is no longer an option. A potential long-term solution could be Dominik Kotarski, a goalkeeper with nearly 200 appearances for PAOK and Copenhagen, including 48 in European competitions, although he is currently on loan.
The midfield also requires attention. The return of Lovro Ivanušec after three years should add quality. Ivanušec, who previously played for Feyenoord, PAOK, and Copenhagen, missed 14 matches due to a finger injury. Now, at 27 years old, he is expected to be in his prime. Boban stated that Ivanušec could replace Josip Mišić and provide needed depth.
The winger problem is evident. Although Dinamo currently has six or seven players for that position, none are considered reliable enough for European competitions. Iker Almena, a Spanish winger who arrived on loan from a Saudi club, may not be the ideal solution, but his arrival shows the club is aware of the issue. Matea Lisica has good dribbling ability but has yet to prove he can handle the pressure of big matches.
What did Boban say about recognizing mistakes?
Zvonimir Boban spoke openly about past failures. "Svim ovim potezima Zvonimir Boban na neki je način priznao pogrešku," he said, alluding to recent transfer market activity. He also emphasized that it is important the club's sports sector quickly recognizes and corrects its mistakes.
Boban mentioned past failures to sign high-profile players like Gonzalo Villa and Dejan Ljubičić. He stressed that a stronger squad is needed to compete against tougher opponents for a full 90 minutes. With three new signings, sports director Mario Kovačević now has fewer arguments to justify squad quality issues. The current squad can be reviewed in detail on our squad page.
How does this relate to the current season?
Dinamo has had a solid start to the HNL season, but European challenges demand a deeper and higher-quality squad. With 11 goals scored and only three conceded, the defense is functioning, but the attack and midfield control need to be more consistent. The club is just two points behind leaders NK Osijek, showing the title is within reach with the right moves.
Decisions made in the remainder of the transfer window will be decisive for the rest of the season. A full overview of all statistics and league positions is available on the standings page. Finally, Dinamo will test its new strengths in an official match for the first time on September 5th against HNK Gorica at home.
