Coach Kovačević: It's nice to win in Europe, but against Lokomotiva we must be at our best

The satisfaction and festive atmosphere after the new European victory was short-lived because just three days later the schedule "imposed" new challenges. Dinamo's footballers, after celebrating against Maccabi from Tel Aviv with a 3:1 victory in the 2nd round of the Europa League, will continue their campaign in the national championship this weekend. The Blues will face off against city rivals Lokomotiva on Sunday at 18:45 in the 9th round of the SuperSport HNL, they will clash on the pitch of Maksimir, and this time Dinamo will formally be the away team.

- On Friday morning we returned from Bačka Topola after the victory against Maccabi, we had one training session, analyzed the game and are preparing for the match against Lokomotiva. We celebrated a bit, but our thoughts are focused on the HNL. Of course, we are pleased that we played well against a strong opponent and won - emphasized coach Mario Kovačević.

After two rounds played, Dinamo is flying high at the top of the Europa League standings, currently the best among 36 clubs in the competition. However, coach Kovačević insists on seriousness, repeatedly stating that he will not allow the players to "take off" and indulge in satisfaction. A serious approach to the match against Lokomotiva is necessary, so it will also be a kind of psychological test for the players themselves.

- We don't have to "take off", only two rounds of the Europa League have been played. It's nice that we played well against two different opponents, with Fenerbahçe being a combination of great individuals, and Maccabi being excellent as a team. Against both opponents, we were very good, we won both, and it is important that our team showed that it knows how to adapt, play well against such different opponents. After all, we are Dinamo, we go for victory in every match, that was the case in those two European matches, and it will continue to be so. Now we have to switch to the Croatian First Football League, Lokomotiva is coming, I believe that we will be good energetically and that we will play the right match because the championship is the most important for us.

The width of Dinamo's squad could now come to the fore. Coach Kovačević doesn't like to talk about fatigue due to the dense schedule of matches, but the fact is that a wide squad also allows for certain refreshments in the starting lineup.

- A club that plays on three fronts must have depth. I want to praise my players, they are working very well. The 14, 15 players that I use more often really fit the demands, but also the others with less playing time are doing well, they are excellent in training. We will see what the lineup will be, it is important that we have no injured players. Luka Stojković and Marko Soldo are returning to the squad after missing the previous league match due to red cards. Everyone is available, that makes me happy, we will put together the right team that will give their all to beat Lokomotiva.

What percentage could the team be different compared to the previous match?

- We will see, we have one more training session and then we will decide. I don't like talking about fatigue, we will make sure the players are energetically at their maximum. Lokomotiva is very good in terms of running, so we have to be on point if we want to win.

Youth Dinamo defender Sergi Dominguez missed the matches against Slaven Belupo and Maccabi due to injury. What is his current condition?

- He trained separately on Friday, now he will practice with the team and then we will decide. If he is completely ready, he will be in the team. If there are any minor issues, we will not risk it.

Lokomotiva showed last season that they are a tough opponent, and they have started the new competitive year with good results.

- I have to praise Lokomotiva, they play very well, it is a combination of experience and youth. Congratulations to my young colleague Nikica Jelavić, he has arranged it very well, they play beautiful football, different from everyone else, they are very good energetically, they have great young players. We will prepare well, we have to be at our maximum if we want to beat such an opponent - concluded coach Kovačević.