Coach Kovačević and Kulenović: We have to be at our best, in front of our fans we can beat anyone

 To continue the successful European rhythm in which they have won seven points in the first three rounds, with a new good performance, they will seek their fourth victory at Maksimir against the Spanish representatives... This is a summary of Dinamo's desires and plans ahead of the continuation of European challenges. The Blues will host Spanish Celta from Vigo in the 4th round of the Europa League on Thursday at 18:45.

– The situation is much better after the last league victory against Rijeka. It is clear that we can do even better, and the opportunity for that is already against Celta. Recovered Miha Zajc and Luka Stojković are training and in contention for the lineup, while Sergi Dominguez and Mounsef Bakrar have minor issues. The recovered Kevin Theophile is also returning to the team. We can't wait for the match – emphasized Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević.

Celta has recently improved their form.

- Yes, well, when it's not needed, ha ha ha... Celta is a typical Spanish team, they like possession, play vertically, all of them are good players. They score a lot of goals, they manage to score in almost every game, but at the same time they also concede. We know their weaknesses. We have to be at our best and I believe that in front of our fans we can beat anyone.

Who will compete for the right-back position due to Moris Valinčić's injury? In the league match against Rijeka, Mateo Lisica played in that position after being "pulled" from the right wing.

- We will see, we have one more training session, Theophile has returned to the team, and he played very well as a right back so we must take that into consideration. There is also the young Noa Mikić. We will see. Probably Lisica will play in front this time. Why? Because we need to move forward. Moreover, when you come to a new position, as was the case with him at right back, you need a few matches. Young Mikić is even closer because that is still his position.

What are Dinamo's main advantages?

- We have shown that we are comfortable playing against teams that want to play. When we have space, we are quite effective, we have shown that throughout all these matches. I see an opportunity here - added coach Kovačević.

The club's vice-captain and forward Sandro Kulenović also spoke to the press, addressing recent media reports about the team's atmosphere.

- Everyone who follows Dinamo and knows what Dinamo is aware that all sorts of untrue stories are often created. I don't know why this is done when the club is on a positive path. I can say firsthand that the atmosphere in the locker room is good, there are a lot of professionals in the team, we all move in the same direction, our goals are known - the double crown and playing in Europe for as long as possible. I think our results are good considering that we have a new team, there has been a generational shift, there are young players who are learning through crises and becoming aware of the weight of the club and pressure. We made some mistakes that we shouldn't have, but such ups and downs are normal when dealing with a young team. But that team is also full of potential. I am surprised when I read headlines about dissatisfaction and quarrels in the locker room. So tell me one player who is happy when not playing. It is up to us to show the coach at every training session that he should put us in the team and then prove that we deserve to wear Dinamo's jersey. Sometimes you need to stop the ball and let us do our job. We want Dinamo to be as good as possible, and we also count on you," Kulenović said almost breathlessly. How do you rate your performance so far in the Croatian First Football League and Europe, is there room for improvement? "Of course, there is always room for improvement. We are currently experiencing a mini crisis among our attackers. But when we add it all up, the three of us attackers have scored 22 goals, and that statistic is fine considering it is only the beginning of November. We have Celta ahead of us, they are a very good team as shown in the league. But many big teams have fallen at Maksimir, including Spanish ones. We want three points."

Some media outlets have also written about the relationship with the fans after the last match against Rijeka.

- When I read something like that in the media, I wonder if I really was in that situation. A negative atmosphere is being inflated where it shouldn't be. We are all together, we are not against them nor are they against us, it has always been like that, and it will continue to be so - added Kulenović.