Coach Kovačević: We are facing a tough match, but we want to finish the first half of the season with both wins

Eight consecutive games without a defeat, a rise to third place in the league table, good form and attractive football... These are all the qualities that characterize the next host of Dinamo. The Zagreb team will play against Slaven Belupo in Koprivnica on Sunday at 3 PM in the 17th round of the SuperSport HNL. In their last encounter, the players from Maksimir celebrated a 4-1 victory on their home turf, and it was after that match that Slaven Belupo started a successful streak, playing eight consecutive games without a defeat, with four wins and four draws. This will be Dinamo's second to last appearance in the autumn season, with their final match of the calendar year set to take place on Saturday against Lokomotiva at Maksimir.

- Our expectations are known, we want to end this half-season with two victories. It will be a tough test, Slaven Belupo is playing well, they are the team in the best form, they have not lost a game in two months. Their last defeat was against us. They have a really good team, Adriano Jagic is not the only threat, they have other quality players as well. We know it won't be easy, but we believe that in a good, open game we will achieve victory and that the fans will enjoy the match - emphasized Dinamo's coach Mario Kovacevic.

This match is scheduled just three days after a tough challenge in the Europa League where Betis celebrated a 3-1 victory at Maksimir. With what squad will the Blues travel to Koprivnica?

- It won't even be three full days between those two matches, but we are already used to such a rhythm. Mateo Lisica is out due to mononucleosis, Luka Stojković due to a high temperature, and we still can't count on the injured Moris Valinčić. We will see in what condition Mounsef Bakrar is, I hope he will be able to play. Everyone else is fine, they have rested. We will not look for excuses, we are going for the win.

Slaven Belupo is, of course, the club where the current Dinamo coach Kovačević left his coaching mark. What kind of opponent does he expect on Sunday?

- I am glad that Slaven is playing so well, they are third in the standings which confirms their good performances. They will not just defend, they will want to impose themselves. That should suit us. I am sure the match will be very interesting for the viewers. Of course, we respect the opponent, but we are only interested in winning - concluded coach Kovačević.