Coach Kovačević and Zajc: We are looking forward to the match, can't wait for it to start

A great start in the Europa League and a big victory against Turkish Fenerbahçe have fueled optimism among the blue fans, and on the wings of that enthusiasm and optimism, Dinamo will continue their European adventure this week. Coach Mario Kovačević's team will face the Israeli champions Maccabi from Tel Aviv in the 2nd round of the Europa League on Thursday. The yellow-blues will host Dinamo in Bačka Topola, where they are playing this season as the formal hosts.

- We have entered a busy schedule of matches, and at this moment, unfortunately, we also have certain injury problems. There were some before the match against Slaven Belupo, I will not be able to count on Sergio Dominguez, but I think he will be ready for Sunday's match against Lokomotiva. Arbër Hoxha and Josip Mišić have trained, they are in the squad. And everyone else is training very well, especially after all these positive results. We are playing against a great team, Maccabi is the Israeli champion who plays very good football, they have great individuals, especially in attack. They are a team in the true sense of the word, it was evident in their first match against PAOK where they played very well, solidly. We are aware of their quality, but we are in good shape and I believe we will show that in the match - emphasized coach Kovačević.

 Last week, Dinamo jumped into the rhythm of playing two matches per week. 

– We are all looking forward to these matches, we really had enough time. All true European teams play at this pace. Personally, I like it, we started well, we are ready and I believe we will continue like this.

Maccabi started the Europa League with a 0:0 draw away at the strong PAOK.

– We watched that match, and we also spoke with a lot of people who know Maccabi. They are the champions of Israel, have a quality team as confirmed by that match against PAOK. If we give our all like they do, I believe we will have an advantage, we have better individuals who will hopefully make the difference in our favor.

Lately, players who have stood out from the sidelines in coach Kovačević's team have been particularly pleasantly surprised, such as Mounsef Bakrara

- That's right, I have to say that I appreciate all my players, there are 25 to 30 of them in competition and they are all good. I support them all and everyone will get a chance. Look, Bakrar and Hoxha have risen up, that's a message to everyone else to work hard, and when they get the opportunity, they should seize it so we are all happy and satisfied.

Who will step in for the injured Dominguez in the starting lineup?

- In contention are Kevin Theophile and Niko Galešić.

When asked by a journalist that this is, after a long time, the first match in which coach Kovačević does not feel pressure on the bench, the Maksimir strategist replied:

– It's not quite like that, there is always some pressure in life... And, you see, there is and there isn't pressure, I work and prepare as best as I can. The results are good, I enjoy my work, especially when I have such great players, everyone at the club helps. I always look forward.

A big advantage for Dinamo is the depth of the squad, especially in midfield. What is it like to work with such players?

- If anyone in life deserves something like this, then I think it's me, I have dedicated my whole life to football, it was the same in lower leagues. Now I work with such top players who are equally quality people. They help me a lot, it's a pleasure to work with them. And we are all doing it for the benefit of Dinamo - concluded coach Kovačević.

Dinamo's brilliant new midfielder Miha Zajc also answered questions from journalists.

- The atmosphere is great, we are on a good streak, we need to continue like this. We know what awaits us, Maccabi is a good team with great individuals. I think we need to play as a team, like against Fenerbahçe, and we can look positively forward - added Zajc.

In Zagreb, it's been a month and a half, how have you adjusted, how has the team accepted you?

– First of all, I want to thank Dinamo for the opportunity, I am really happy with how everyone has welcomed me, the guys, the club, and the coaching staff... 

The match against Maccabi will be played in front of empty stands.

- It's a shame, but we can't influence that. We need to focus on ourselves and the opponent, we have prepared well, watched the matches... I say, we know what awaits us. Our focus needs to be on the field. We are currently in a good streak, we want to show that we can play at that pace every three days. We are all eagerly awaiting the match, it will be a challenge and I am really looking forward to it.

How do you fit into the midfield with Josip Mišić and Dejan Ljubičić?

- I get along great with them, as well as with everyone in the team. I understand well with everyone, especially now when there is a good, positive energy and atmosphere, that makes me happy. There are many quality players and that is our advantage.

In his career, Zajc, as a midfielder, has scored around 60 goals in club football and about 40 in the national team.

- When will I score for Dinamo? Well, I hope it will be in the next match.