Coach Kovačević: We made good use of the break, starting with a cup match in a busy schedule of games

The Maksimir footballers will open a new track this Wednesday in the season: after the league challenges, they now face temptations in the cup competition. The Blues will visit their namesake, Dinamo from Predavac, on Wednesday at 4:30 PM, a team located near Bjelovar, in the 1/16 finals of the SuperSport Croatian Cup.

- Our ambitions are clear, both in the championship and in the Cup, and we are preparing for this match accordingly. We know how much this duel means to the people in Predavec. After all, reaching this stage of the competition is their greatest success. We, on the other hand, have made good use of this break due to the national team matches. We gave the boys two, three days off after the league match in Varaždin, and then followed with intense and tough training sessions. We are entering a rhythm of playing every three days. I am glad that we have no injuries, everyone is working well... We trained well, and we also watched the Predavec team's match to know what to expect. The field there is smaller and, of course, the opponent will give their all, but it is clear that we will seek passage from the first minute and I have no doubt that we will be ready - emphasized Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević.

All these details, such as the fact that the Maximirska branch watched the match of the opposing team, confirm the emphasized seriousness and serious approach in this initial phase of the cup competition.

- Of course, we respect every opponent, and we know well that everyone who plays against us gives their best. That's how we approach the preparation for this match so that nothing surprises us. We have to play well, that is the desire of both us and our fans.

Dinamo visited Senj during the league break on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of NK Nehaj and played a commemorative match.

- That's right, we were in Senj, five or six players from our first team played there, and juniors also played alongside them, giving them the opportunity to play for the senior team. Once again, I want to thank our hosts in Senj, it was beautiful, they hosted us wonderfully.

With what lineup will the Maksimir team head to the cup match in Predavac?

- We have a wide squad this season, those who have played less so far will have the opportunity in the Cup. We will put together a good, serious team. This time we will not use many juniors because they have also played for the national team and will only return on Tuesday, some on Wednesday... In a cup match, there can be 20 players on the roster, and that's exactly how many we have available now. As I said, we will put together a good team that will seek passage from the first minute - concluded coach Kovačević.