Coach Kovačević and Topić: We were good, energetic, started going for a quick goal from the first minute

Congratulations to my players, we started seriously from the first minute and everything is much easier when we score a goal in the early stages, emphasized Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević in an interview for "Dinamo plus" after the away victory against Karlovac with 7:0 in the round of sixteen of the Cup.

- I am happy that we were good, lively, that we scored seven goals, and that with six different scorers. We had many more chances to score. We gave everyone a chance, got what we wanted, and finished the game with players who have played less so far... We mixed up the lineup because we have an important match against Varaždin on Saturday. Things went well from the first minute, we needed a game like this. Congratulations to the players, and I wish Karlovac good luck for the rest of the season - added coach Kovačević.

The Dinamo players, despite having a high lead, continuously sought another goal.

– It's never easy when the opponent drops back into a low block. From the first minute, Karlovac played like that, but luckily we scored an early goal. After that, everything became easier. I am pleased with the approach of our players, it doesn't mean we wanted to show off in Karlovac, but we wanted to seek goals through actions we practice in training. I believe this has boosted our confidence ahead of the next league match.

Robert Mudražija was included in the starting 11, but he got injured during warm-up and did not play.

- I'm sorry about Robert, he really performed well in this championship break. He was supposed to start in the first 11, but he felt problems with his quadriceps so we didn't want to risk it. I hope it's nothing serious, we'll see after the examination. There will be opportunities for him, just let him continue working like that.

Dinamo will, of course, want to continue in a winning rhythm in Saturday's championship match against Varaždin at Maksimir.

– We know that we have already missed a lot in the championship, we want to play this well and continue winning, especially at home. We are aware that Varaždin is a good team, after all, they are third in the standings. However, I think that this game has filled us with confidence and that we will be on point on Saturday as well – concluded coach Kovačević.

Youthful Fran Topić stepped into the starting lineup instead of Mudražija, and opened the match with an assist to Luka Stojković for the first goal, later scoring himself for a 4-0 lead. This was also his first official goal for Dinamo.

– From the beginning, we agreed to go forward bravely, to score a goal as soon as possible, and that's exactly what happened – emphasized Topić.

It is interesting that this was his second match in less than 24 hours, and also his second victory. Topić played for the Croatian U-21 national team on Tuesday evening, defeating Hungary 2-0 in the European Championship qualifiers in Budapest. He returned to Zagreb at four in the morning and played with the blues in Karlovac on the same day.

– Yes, I played against Hungary, I called the boss and asked if I would be in the squad for Karlovac. We agreed that I would come. I got in at the last minute due to Mudražija's unfortunate injury. I hope I took advantage of the opportunity.

Is it true that you announced before the match that you would score a goal if you played?

– Yes, I believe in myself and my qualities. I work, train, and wait for my opportunity.

You are a forward and winger, but in the second half, due to rotations in the team, you also played as a right back.

– That's not my natural position, but I will play whatever the coach asks of me. If needed, I'll even be a goalkeeper.

This Saturday, we have a league match against Varaždin.

- We have a strong opponent coming who plays modern football, but we are Dinamo, we go for the win in every match, especially at Maksimir. Determined and brave for three points - concluded Topić.