Coach Kovačević: We aim for victory with good play and domination, but we must be cautious

Maximum performance with all four wins at the start of the season, impressive performances with a goal difference of 10:0 are a strong psychological boost for the team from Maksimir ahead of new challenges, and this weekend a new demanding test awaits. Dinamo will play in the 5th round of the SuperSport HNL on Saturday at 9 pm as a guest in Varaždin.

- The team is in good condition, only Niko Galešić and Ronael Pierre-Gabriel cannot compete in the match due to minor injuries, but next week they will join the training at full pace. We had another pleasant week after the victory, it gives us motivation for even better work. I have to praise the players, they work very well, aware of the competition within the team. We are preparing as best as we can. We talk a lot with players who have so far had few opportunities, they are aware that a schedule with many matches is coming, both Cup and Europa, and that they will get their chance. In a good atmosphere, we turn to Varaždin - highlighted Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević.

How does the new Maksimir coach see the current Varaždin team?

- Even before their victory against Rijeka, I said that they are a great team, they had a phenomenal last season and a historic result by qualifying for Europe. This year, they have formed a good team, invested a lot, only Dimitar Mitrovski has left, there are many new players, they also have depth. The best indicator is their victory against Rijeka, which may also be good for my players as additional confirmation of the seriousness of the opponent. Maybe they are the most experienced team in the league, they know how to play for the result, adapt well to the opponent. It will certainly be interesting. We respect them, but victories give us strength and I am sure we will get better. We know that we have to play our best game so far to beat Varaždin.

Will there be any changes in Dinamo's lineup compared to the previous match?

- We will see, I have some thoughts.... It was difficult to use more players in the previous four matches, but there will be opportunities for everyone. We have one more training session ahead, maybe there will be some changes, maybe we will try to surprise, but we will not change much. Those who get the opportunity manage to justify it.

Varaždin has potential in the attacking phase.

- They are most dangerous as a team. I have to say that I like Varaždin much more this year even though they had a phenomenal result last season. Now it's even nicer to watch them, they are attack-oriented. On the left side is Iuri Tavares who is a very good dribbler, Ivan Mamut is dangerous in the attacking phase, Aleksa Latković as well, the returnee Leon Belcar means a lot to them, and there is Oliver Zelenika who, in my opinion, along with our Ivan Nevistić, is one of the best goalkeepers in the league. They are an experienced and dangerous team, we have to prepare very well for them.

Is coach Kovačević expecting a more offensive approach from Varaždin?

- They know how to adapt, but when they play at home, especially when Dinamo comes, it is a great motivation for them. They know how to play defensively, to stand back. We want to achieve victory from the first minute through domination. There will be periods of play where we will also have to be cautious. Varaždin will want to impose themselves through possession, not just play on counterattacks and half-chances. However, I expect them to focus more on the defensive phase, but they also have quality going forward so we must be very cautious in that aspect.

Does coach Kovačević have special emotions towards Varaždin and does he have a personal motivation in this match?

- It is always nice to come to Varaždin, their fans appreciate me as much as I appreciate them, and I have already visited Varaždin as the coach of Slaven Belupo. I never have personal motives, I am the coach of Dinamo, I want to win. That's football, I leave personal matters for later. We have started well, and we want to continue like that. I am a coach and I have never put myself above the coaching job. I had a good time in Varaždin, I have great support from all the fans there, they know how much I have given. I respect the Varaždin fans, but now I am the coach of Dinamo and I will give my all for the victory - added coach Kovačević.