Coach Kovačević: I am very satisfied, especially with the first half, this is a victory for the fans

I am satisfied with the victory, with our game in the first half, I congratulate my players, it was never easy at Rujevica, emphasized Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević immediately after the blues' 2-0 victory in the away league match against Rijeka

- The first half was very good, we controlled the game, scored two goals, everything was on our side... We knew that Rijeka would start aggressively in the second half, they made substitutions even at halftime, we knew that we needed to withstand the first 15 minutes. We succeeded in that, we were also lucky when they hit the post twice. At halftime, I told the players that we need to look for a third goal, but we were not good in the second half. Rijeka was fast, there were many interruptions in which they coped much better. But I am glad that we showed that we have a strong defense, when something did get through, Ivan Nevistić was there to save us.

In the starting lineup, unlike the first two games of the season, were Luka Stojković and Bruno Goda.

- I am very satisfied with how they played, they met expectations. We knew what we were getting with Stojković, he showed how he fights for his club and for his place in the first 11. With Goda, we wanted solidity, he knows Rujevica well, he played for Rijeka for two years. I say, both of them played a good game.

Both goals were scored by Dion Drena Beljo, the second one from a penalty kick. Moreover, in the celebration after the first goal, he suffered an eyebrow injury.

- Maybe that even angered him a bit... He had neck problems, he even received an injection to be able to play. Hats off to him.

Coach Kovačević showed with his substitutions that he doesn't want to "close" the game.

- That's right, I didn't want to "close" it. On the contrary, I wanted us to score a third goal, in the last 15 minutes even Rijeka didn't have strong pressure, and it's hard for them because they have a lot of games. This is the first time that our substitutions didn't bring us new energy. I say, we wanted a third goal, but we won, that's the most important thing and we move on.

It is especially important for this new Dinamo team that they started the season with all three wins.

- Exactly, and I tell the players that, this is a new team and the most important thing is the result. We had two tough away games - in Osijek and in Rijeka. But we will work on being like we were in the first 45 minutes here in Rujevica for the full 90 minutes. These guys have that quality, it just takes a little time, we are a team in the making. Above all, I am glad to see the guys giving their all. Even when we make mistakes, luck is on our side, because we give our best. The fans recognize that.

Coach Kovačević had an additional message specifically for the fans.

- Our most passionate fans, BBB, are celebrating their 39th birthday on Sunday. I congratulate them from the heart. They support us everywhere, this victory is for them - added coach Kovačević.