Coach Kovačević: The most important thing is that we won three points, we will be even better

We took an early 2-0 lead, in that first half we had several situations where we could have scored a third goal to seal the match, highlighted Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević after the 2-1 league victory over Osijek.

– We didn't allow Osijek anything, we had to be more concrete in the attacking phase. It was the same in the second half until the 70th minute when we made changes and conceded a goal. Even at halftime, I told the players in the dressing room that we should go for a third goal so we wouldn't get into trouble. And after their goal, we had several good counterattacks, but if you weren't right before that, then the ball doesn't listen to you anymore. The most important thing is that we won three points, we deserved to win. Congratulations to my players, and to Osijek as well.

 When asked by a journalist about the lack of desired energy from the bench players, coach Kovačević added:

– It wasn't good, I always expect the players coming in to provide an impulse, especially in terms of running. That was lacking, we will see why it was like that. I know they can do much better and I have no doubt in them. Maybe it's harder for some because they play less, but I know they can do better.

How did coach Kovačević experience the silence from the north stand?

– I didn't even know why there was that silence, I only realized later that it was due to dissatisfaction with the game schedule set for November 1st, All Saints' Day. We need to see what we can do about that. I'm sorry, it's easier for us when the guys are cheering.

Dinamo, with this victory, of course, retained the top spot on the table.

– The team deserves credit for this, I work well with everyone. I understand the media criticism when we lose against Gorica and Lokomotiva, it's not easy... We are in a developmental process, but I think we are on the right track and I am sure it will get better. We have a good coaching staff, good players, everyone at the club helps us to improve.

This time Mateo Lisica was absent, and Kevin Theophile was not in the lineup.

- Lisica trained this morning, maybe he could have played in this match, but let him fully recover, we didn't want to risk anything. I am sure he will be ready for Thursday and the match against Malmo. Theophile felt pain in his knee, we didn't want to risk with him either, I believe it's nothing serious, but we will know the details after the examination.

On Thursday, the Blues will therefore play away in Malmo in the 3rd round of the Europa League.

- When we took the lead against Osijek with 2:0, I think the players were already thinking about the match against Malmo. We travel there on Wednesday, we will give our best, we know they are a good team, the champions of Sweden... It won't be easy, but I believe in my team - concluded coach Kovačević.