Coach Kovačević: We trained well, no room for fatigue, HNL is most important to us

Keeping a good atmosphere after a big victory against Fenerbahçe at the start of the European season, and at the same time responding with full concentration to the next league challenge. Dinamo's footballers will host Slaven Belupo in the 8th round of the SuperSport HNL on Sunday at 18:15, four days after an impressive victory in the opening Europa League match.

"Everything is good, everyone is healthy and that is the most important thing. It is clear that we are in good shape after the recent victories. The guys have trained very well, this was only the first Wednesday in this dense playing rhythm so there is no room for tiredness, the HNL is the most important competition for us. On Sunday, those who are the best and most prepared at the moment will start and we are going for the win," emphasized Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević.

How to maintain a good mood within the team, especially in the context of those players who have less playing time?

- It's not easy, I was a player so I know. Everyone is an athlete and everyone wants to play, I respect that. But whoever has come to Dinamo knows that there is great competition here and must be prepared for it, and as a coach I have to decide who will play. I just want them to show on the field and in training that they want to play. In every team there are 14, 15 players who play more, that's how it is with me and it will continue to be. The others need to be patient and wait for their chance, there will be many matches. If they seize the opportunity, I will not turn a blind eye to that but will give them more chances.

 What is the condition of Ronael Pierre-Gabriel? So far he has not been in the squad, so Moris Valincic was the only one competing for the role of right-back and played the full match time. 

- Pierre-Gabriel will join the team on Monday, he had some injury problems. We will see what happens next. He is not in contention for this match. Valinčić is young, healthy. Even Luka Modrić at 40 years old plays around 60 matches per year. We wanted a Wednesday-Saturday rhythm and I don't want to talk about fatigue at all.

On the other hand, Robert Mudražija has limited playing time and is still waiting for his chance.

- I really appreciate him, last season he was the second, third top scorer in Lokomotiva, the main player. Currently, it's like that with us, I know it's not easy for him, I talk to him, I believe he will seize the opportunity when he gets it. They are all really good and quality players.

How do you see the Slaven Belupo team? You are probably looking forward to meeting Mario Gregurin, your former colleague, and now the successor on the bench of the Koprivnica club?

- It is clear that I am looking forward to it. When I remember the beginning of last year, after the first few rounds they had only one point, Slaven was in last place and everyone had already written them off. We came to the club, gathered our heads with local guys Mario Gregurin and Mateas Delić and played a beautiful season, there were really good results and games. And I have to praise the good, quality players with captain Tomislav Božić and Ilija Nestorovski, they showed character, until the last round we were in the fight for Europe, played in the Cup final, everyone in our coaching staff helped us. We collaborated beautifully. I am glad that Gregurin took over the team, I knew he would continue after me. They started well, I wish them luck except when my team plays against them.

Journalists were interested in how the coach from Maksimir feels a few days after the big European victory against a team with expensive players and big careers?

- Yes, it's nice, we defeated a team that is so valuable. It's not just me who is important, but the players and the whole club. Now I am in Maksimir, aware that the victory against Fenerbahçe is not "I don't know what", because Dinamo has beaten them before. I am glad, I live near the stadium, I walk there, I feel the support of our fans at every step, and I also want to continue watching this kind of Dinamo - concluded coach Kovačević.