Coach Kovačević: I am proud, we will follow all the values that Dinamo promotes, I believe the fans will enjoy

Wide smiles, optimism, shared faith and visible enthusiasm ahead of the new season... In such an atmosphere, Dinamo's executive president Zvonimir Boban and the new coach Mario Kovačević addressed the media during the presentation of the new head coach of the blue team. Mario Kovačević officially took over as the head coach on Wednesday, and the following day, accompanied by the president of the executive board, Zvonimir Boban, he spoke to journalists.

- First of all, I must thank the people at Dinamo for giving me the opportunity to lead our most successful and best club. I am grateful to all the people and clubs where I have worked so far. It has been successful, and good results have opened up this opportunity for me. I am aware of the responsibility that lies ahead of me, I am aware of the expectations, challenges... I am not afraid, I love challenges. I have the courage, and that has led me to successful results. My football philosophy, as you know, involves organized, modern attacking football that will, I believe, bring the desired result. And I believe that our fans will enjoy it, that is important. I look forward to the period ahead of us, I can't wait for the preparations to start, I am excited to work with the players, I have a strong motivation and I will give my all to achieve the result we all expect. I say, I am not afraid, I can't wait to start working, decisively, courageously, with faith in myself - emphasized coach Kovačević.

What is the incentive of knowing that you were the first and only choice of Dinamo and the president of the Management Board, Zvonimir Boban?

- To not be flattered, we all know who Zvonimir Boban is. Well, you don't turn down Dinamo! Even before, commenting with colleagues and friends, I said "blessed is the coach chosen by Boban, because he will stand behind him". Dinamo is important, I know the level of responsibility, I will give my all so that the people who chose me can be proud of me.

Who will be in Kovačević's coaching staff?

- We will have our first concrete meeting after the press conference, but I can say that in the coaching staff there will be Ivica Landeka, Sandro Bloudek, Luka Murk for the fitness part, from the previous lineup Ivan Štefanić remains, also in charge of fitness preparation, and goalkeeper coach Gojko Mrčela. I have chosen good people, those I trust. We will work on making Dinamo better.

What will you insist on the most?

- We will have 45 days of preparation, starting on June 18. That is enough time, we have a plan of what and how. I insist on the intensity of training, we will have plenty of time for preparation. The most important thing for us is the championship, to regain the title of champions, we must start the season in the right way. We want to show from the beginning that this season was an exception and take the position that belongs to us. We also have the Europa League ahead of us, I believe we will compete with everyone there, but first and foremost is the domestic championship.

Modesty and hard work are the main characteristics of the new coach who wants to convey these principles to the team as well.

– As a coach, I want to help players become winners. Modesty is my life philosophy, and I try to convey to the players that they can only get better by working hard. They must be aware of where they are and what they are and they must bring it back to the field. Everything else is a lie. I come to a bigger club, the quality is higher... Players just need to be put back on the right track, I think I can do that.

How long will it take you to implement your football philosophy and together with the club assemble the desired player roster?

- We will try to have 90 percent assembled by June 18th. The transitional period has not even begun, and it has been a long time since Dinamo had 45 days of preparation, we are going directly to the league phase of the Europa League, without qualifiers... So, there will be plenty of time to create the right team for the kind of football that Dinamo and its fans deserve. I am proud and happy, I love football. I try to show the players that their careers pass quickly, I have given each of them everything I could to make them better. But the team comes first.

What would the new coach say to any potential skeptics?

- I always respect everyone's opinion, people have the right to be skeptical. My motivation is always at the highest level, especially now at Dinamo. I will not boast with big statements, the fans will judge me in the end. And I am sure that I will stay here for a long time. The club will stand behind me if there are any problems, from the beginning we have all set ourselves up correctly, our goal is for all of us to be better, to be careful not to fall asleep. Fans do not need to be afraid, we will follow all the values that Dinamo nurtures.

Building a new team, is that an advantage or disadvantage for you as a coach?

- We will see, it should be an advantage. The season before last was tough, but Dinamo won trophies then, this year they did not... So, it should be an advantage. From the beginning, we will work to make Dinamo even better - concluded coach Kovačević.