Coach Kovačević: I regret that we didn't seal the game in the first half

We played very well in the first half, scored a goal, had a lot of situations from which we could increase the lead, Varaždin defended well, but unfortunately, our entry into the second half ultimately cost us, highlighted Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević after a 2-2 draw away against Varaždin.

- In that first part, we didn't allow the hosts anything and that's what we want. Unfortunately, entering the second half cost us. You saw, before conceding the goal we had a good transition, we could have finished it better, but we immediately made a foul from which the hosts' action followed for a goal. And that from the first concrete shot of Varaždin. The match then went into nervousness, we didn't react well after conceding that goal. We had some situations, but we didn't impose ourselves, somehow we accepted Varaždin's game. And then we conceded such a second goal, Antonio Boršić crossed, we didn't react well and the ball entered the net.

Coach Kovačević still praised his players for the energy they showed, except in the first 45 minutes, also in the final moments.

– Yes, I can praise the players, their reaction after conceding the second goal. When you are losing 2:1 in the referee's added time, then you have to be happy that you equalized. You saw, we were looking for the winning goal, but there was little time, goalkeeper Oliver Zelenika made a save and it is realistic that it ended in a draw. I say, we regret that we didn't decide the game in the first half. Congratulations to the players of both teams, I think the match was interesting. Thanks to our fans, I'm sorry for them. They got wet in this weather and I'm sorry we didn't reward them with a victory.

At the first goal of Varaždin, none of Dinamo's players attempted to disrupt the opponent in the quick free-kick attempt in the middle of the field, which was followed by a lightning-fast action for the equalizer.

- It's normal for me to be upset, those are some little things we need to work on. We are still a young team, the worst thing is when you have to learn from your own mistakes. Varaždin scored precisely in that first situation where we didn't react well and the game turned around. But that's football. Besides, Varaždin is a good team.

Is coach Kovačević satisfied with the performance of the players who came off the bench?

- Yes, there was no need to make changes at halftime. Later, when the bench players came in, we managed to stabilize. When Cardoso Varela and Mounsef Bakrar came in, it was better, I can be satisfied. It's normal that I might expect a bit more from Arbër Hoxha.