The great success of Dinamo's junior team in the Premier League International Cup has once again drawn attention to the quality of the blue school. Eliminating Valencia and reaching the semi-finals has further boosted optimism at Maksimir.

Coach Jerko Leko doesn't hide his satisfaction, but also the ambitions his team has until the end of the season.

"We played a really good match and I think we dominated in terms of chances. We didn't start well result-wise, but the boys showed character and desire for victory. We managed to come back in the final minutes and finish the job in extra time. Such matches build mentality and self-belief. I think we absolutely deserved to win in the end and showed our worth."

A new big challenge is already at the door, and the opponent's name alone carries special weight. Dinamo will play Real Madrid in the semi-finals, one of the most prestigious football institutions in the world. Precisely such matches are the real test for young players.

"The draw paired us with Real and that's a huge challenge for all of us. They insisted on the schedule because they want to come with their strongest team, which shows how much it means to them. Their team has great value and quality, but that's additional motivation for our players. This is a reward for everything we've done so far. I believe we can be competitive and show ourselves on the big stage. Such matches are what we work for."

Alongside European challenges, Dinamo is fighting battles on domestic fronts too. The junior championship and Cup are entering their final stages, and the schedule is extremely packed. Despite this, ambitions remain as high as possible.

"We face a demanding rhythm of matches, but the boys are ready for it. We're at a high physical level and it shows on the pitch. In the championship we're looking at it match by match and believe we can reach the top. In the Cup we have a final against Slaven Belupo and we want that trophy. Most important to me is seeing the winning mentality in the players. That very mentality is what brought us these results."

One of the club's key projects is the return of the B team, which will play a major role in developing young players. That step will be the bridge between junior and senior football. Leko emphasizes how important this is for Dinamo's future.

"The B team is necessary for a club like Dinamo. Not all players are ready immediately for the first team and they need time to adapt. Here they'll have controlled conditions for development and opportunity for progress. Through that team we want to prepare them for the demands of senior football. It will be a real school and character test for each individual. The goal is for as many of them as possible to be ready for the first team."

At the end of the conversation, Leko also reflected on an emotional topic that has touched the entire club. The memorial in honor of Nikola Pokrivač, whose great friend Jerko was, will gather numerous former teammates and friends. It will be an opportunity for remembrance, but also togetherness.

"It's hard to talk about such things because emotions are strong. I'm glad such an event is being organized and that it will be commemorated with dignity. Family and friends will come, it will be a special moment for all of us. Nikola left a great mark both as a player and as a person. It's important that we remember him and that he remains among us. I believe it will be a beautiful and emotional event."

Watch the full conversation with Jerko Leko on the Dinamo Plus app.