Preseason starts: The goal is the Champions league

On Wednesday morning Dinamo started with preseason training for the 2012./2013. season. Coach Ante Čačić had 16 players on training session and after that we talked to him about his impressions and expectations.

- After a month break we are back in Maksimir and we are at the beginning of preseason - said coach and continued: - 16 players came today to practice because 8 are still off; 5 Croatia national team players and three players (Alispahić, Beqiraj and Kovačić) who had international duties after the season so they will join us on Monday. Croatia national team players? I hope they will come as late as possible because that will mean that Croatia is still on Euro 2012.

There were some new faces at training: Arijan Ademi and Ante Puljić once again joined Dinamo from Lokomotiva while Ivan Peko and Marcelo Brozović stayed in Dinamo's outfit: - We believe that there is not reason to pile up players and right now it's better for Peko and Brozović to stay in Lokomotiva. Naturally, transfer window is yet to start so if something happens we'll act on it so I can't say for sure if they will join Dinamo or not.

Two offensive players, Duje Čop and Marin Tomasov, had their first training in Dinamo: - They are both quality players and I'm sure they will prove that. Dinamo is the best Croatian club and it's only natural for the best players to be here - said the coach.

As for the new season, Dinamo expectations are well known: - We have an obligation of winning the double at home but also we think we can replicate the last season success and qualify for the group stage of the Champions league - said Čačić and explained: - We simply have to exist in Europe because that's the only way to maintain this level we are used to. The team stayed together, we are stronger that the year before for an experience our players had and our goal is the Champions league - concluded the coach.