Exactly two weeks after their last official match, Dinamo's players will play a new one. The opponent is Vukovar, in the round of 16 of the Croatian Football Cup. The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 4th, with kick-off at 4 PM.

"In the Cup, the goal is always to advance. We made good use of these two weeks, we worked well. Some players rested and refreshed themselves, while others who needed it trained, and trained well. This was already evident in the match in Sisak that they're working well. Against Vukovar, we're only interested in advancing further and playing well.", said coach Mario Kovačević.

In the match against Segesta, players who had played less so far and members of the B and youth teams got the chance to prove themselves.

"When planning that match, we counted on giving a chance to players with fewer minutes and the younger ones. They used it well, that match served us well, everyone got a chance for one half. Competition has intensified, you can see that the players who joined a bit later are working well and are close to the form we want them to be in. Competition is now greater, and that's what we wanted after the match in Sisak."

Players who impressed with their good play and approach against Segesta will also compete for a place in the squad against Vukovar.

"Yes, the team that played in Sisak will be in the squad for the upcoming Cup match."

Before the friendly match with Segesta, a virus "attacked" Dinamo's dressing room, so several players were out of training, and there were also minor injuries.

"Unfortunately, Goda got hurt. He took a blow to the forehead and has six stitches, but I believe he'll also be ready for next week. As for the virus, yes, four or five players were infected, but they've recovered and started training. Only Smail Prevljak still has problems with the virus, but I believe he'll join us soon and maybe travel to Vukovar."

Against Vukovar last season, Dinamo played four matches in the SuperSport HNL and recorded three wins and one defeat. Vukovar are currently in 13th place in SuperSport Prva NL. As the coach says, there's no room for underestimation.

"There can be surprises in the Cup, but we won't allow that. I see that the players are working seriously, we take the match itself seriously, naturally our desire is to advance. After all, our goal is to defend the Cup title. Vukovar stands in our way, the only goal is to advance and play well. Again, new players who arrived last and played a little less will get a chance. I believe they'll use that opportunity, and after that we really have derby after derby", the head coach concluded optimistically.

As a reminder, after the match in Vukovar, Dinamo plays the derby against Hajduk at Poljud, and then in the second round of the Europa League at Maksimir Stadium they host Anderlecht.