Coach Kovačević: I invite the fans, they will have something to see, we will start strong from the first minute

The new, refreshed Dinamo has already presented itself to the fans in front of the Maksimir stands in a recent friendly match against the Ukrainian Kryvbas, and this Friday it will face its – home premiere in an official match. After a successful season opener and a 2-0 away victory against Osijek, the Blues will host the new member of the SuperSport HNL, Vukovar 1991 team, on Friday at 9 pm.

- It was important to start the new season with a victory, and thank God, we succeeded. After the victory in Osijek, we had a nice week before the match against Vukovar. I am glad that all players are in contention, we have no injury problems, everyone is ready. The only thing that gives me a bit of a "headache" is who to put in the starting lineup. The team that started the previous match now has a slight advantage, the players who came off the bench and brought the victory have also intensified the competition. We are all happy about that. We watched Vukovar in the match against Lokomotiva, which won 1-0, it's not easy for them to start the season like that, but it is clear that they have quality, they are cohesive on the field... We must not fall into the trap of "it will be easy". It is certain that our fans will come, we will start strong from the first minute and it is normal that, with all respect and appreciation for the opponent, we want to win - highlighted Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević.

Before the Osijek match, Kevin Theophile had minor injury issues and was not on the roster.

– Yes, Theophile had minor problems, but now he has recovered and is fully fit.

Will the newcomers Mounsef Bakrar and Miha Zajc be eligible for the match? 

– No, they won't. They are in good condition, but they will need time to adapt. For now, they will not be in contention.

Dinamo played openly in Osijek, attacked, created chances, but there were difficulties in reacting to lost balls.

- It is normal that not everything is ideal in the first game. We know that we need to improve some segments. We analyzed the game in Osijek and I agree that we need to react much better after losing the ball. Osijek is good in transition. But there were also a lot of good things.

What was coach Kovačević most satisfied with in that game, and what least?

- I was most satisfied with the desire of all the players, you saw their joy after the game. It is never easy against Osijek at Opus Arena. The desire was evident from the first minute. And what I am not satisfied with... Well, we need to control the games in the Croatian First Football League much better, that is what we will definitely work on the most. As I said, it is hard to expect everything to be perfect right away.

In what physical condition are Scott McKenna and Dion Drena Beljo who joined after the preparations?

- They are not in ideal condition, but they played in Osijek, we want to integrate them into the team as soon as possible. They played well, they will be physically better in each subsequent match. The quality is unquestionable, it was evident from the first appearance.

Especially visible is the unity, both within the whole team and in the coaching staff.

- It's true, that's what we are working on the most. I am really satisfied with the coaching staff, we are focused on the job, on better preparation. It's not easy, there are a lot of new players, all of that needs to be prepared. I think we are doing well, but there is always room for improvement.

Coach Kovačević visited the auxiliary fields of the Maksimir stadium on Thursday morning for the opening of the international junior tournament Mladen Ramljak and watched the first matches... 

- I was at the tournament this morning, the atmosphere is wonderful, great performances. We will also watch other matches, looking forward to it.

Fans are also excited, of course...

- You know they are always with us, once again I thank our fans for their great support in Osijek. We invite them to come on Friday, they will have something to see, we want to go for the win from the first minute - concluded coach Kovačević.