Dinamo's youth team continues with very good results in the final stretch of the season, with two important victories against Hajduk and qualification to the Cup final behind them.

In an interview for Dinamo's official channels, youth team coach Ante Ivanda spoke in detail about the results, player development and challenges of working in youth categories, emphasizing what is truly most important in Dinamo's football academy.

"Yes, the results, as you mentioned, are there, but in our football academy the result is not the most important thing in itself. Still, it's nice to win, especially in derbies. Competition like Hajduk is always present - both in senior football and in terms of supporters - so it's nice to beat Hajduk, and on their home ground too."

The victory against Hajduk in the championship, which put the youth team at the top of the table, came after a demanding week in which the team had to react to the absence of captain Lastavac.

"When we found out that we would be without the services of our captain, we had to make some changes within the team - positions and everything else - so that some players could play above their capabilities and surprise our direct competitor. I have to praise them, it was a very, very good match. They really surprised me and I have to praise them once more for that performance which brought victory in a convincing manner."

Just three days after the derby came the Cup semi-final against Zadar. Dinamo won 3-0 and secured a place in the final, but the coaching staff wasn't even completely satisfied with the performance.

"Always after such a match like against Hajduk, that derby which was a few days before, there comes an emptiness in psychological and physical terms. Already the first training session after Hajduk showed us that it would be very difficult to lift the team psychologically. We managed to some extent, but we're not really satisfied with the game against Zadar. We can say that we got through the match and that individuals did enough so that in the end we still won routinely and reached the final."

Dinamo's youth team brings together an exceptionally talented generation, additionally strengthened by the arrival of new players through the selection and re-selection process. Ivanda emphasizes that this is continuous work involving both coaches and scouts, with the goal being long-term player development.

"Yes, there was very good selection, and then re-selection over a number of years. I have to admit that in this sixth month, when I took them over, another 3-4 players came who brought additional quality to the team. I'm happy to be coaching this generation, because it's very talented."

In Dinamo's football academy, the emphasis is on developing the game and understanding the system, with all age groups playing in the same formation so that the transition to senior football is as easy and natural as possible.

"In the beginning, all us coaches wondered how we would constantly play the same way, everyone will know how we play. Why wouldn't we change sometimes? But over time you understand that the consistency demanded by the academy leadership brings results. The goal is that a child who might go with the seniors to training camp in a year or two immediately knows what to expect and which position they play. It's easier to integrate into the team."

The youth team now faces the end of the championship season and the Cup final against Istra, and we all hope for a double crown.

You can watch the full interview with youth team coach Ante Ivanda on the Dinamo Plus app.