Numerous missed chances at the start of the second half denied the Blues the path to victory, but Dinamo's young footballers have plenty of reasons for optimism ahead of the season's continuation. Dinamo B opened a new episode in the prestigious Premier League International Cup this Tuesday, facing Tottenham's youth team, and despite a very good performance from Zagreb's footballers, despite taking the lead and creating numerous chances, the match ultimately went the hosts' way as they won 3-1. The Blues now turn to domestic league challenges, with their next test in SuperSport Prva NL being Saturday's away match in Dugopolje in the 6th league round.

– We're going to Dugopolje with the right squad, with will and desire to win. The match comes a few days after the clash against Tottenham. We knew the English were a very good opponent, but we entered the match aggressively, full of energy, desire and will. We said we wouldn't sit back but would apply high pressure and try to play. That's exactly what happened. We scored one goal, but unfortunately, we didn't convert the other chances and lost in the end – highlighted Dinamo B captain, Noa Mikić.

The Blues are now gradually getting used to the European rhythm, considering that Premier League Cup obligations will occasionally be added to their demanding domestic league schedule.

– Yes, it will be demanding, but we must know that we are professionals and need to adapt to that rhythm as soon as possible. Competing among seniors in the second league means a lot to us and helps in our football development, both as a team and individually.

The young Maksimir team started their first senior season with two defeats, then continued with two victories... But such a changeable pattern is completely expected in the phase of football development.

– At the very beginning it was perhaps a bit difficult to adapt, but we quickly showed that we can and know how to play. It took some time to gel as a team and find our rhythm. After that came two victories and we were, of course, happy about that. In the last match we dropped points against Sesvete, but we have no reason to hang our heads because new challenges await us both in England and in the domestic league.

Coach Jerko Leko takes pressure off the players themselves, emphasizing that they "don't need to look at the table".

– The coach's support means a lot to us, we must focus primarily on how we play, how we look on the pitch. Approach and body language are important, and then good results will come.

Noa Mikić has recently become Dinamo B's captain.

– That means a lot to me and I'm especially proud to wear the captain's armband. But it also brings great responsibility – Mikić concluded.