Dinamo will open the "hunting season" for a new league trophy on Friday at 8 PM. The Blues will host Slaven Belupo at Maksimir Stadium to start the SuperSport HNL season, and the match is scheduled just three days after Marijo Kovačević's team fought hard and staged a great comeback to defeat Swiss side Thun 3-2, securing their place in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League.

"It's important that we advanced, but the start of the championship is equally important to us. Our desire is to show ourselves and prove our worth right from the first matches. The players are healthy and we can't wait for the championship to start, to begin with three points" – coach Kovačević emphasized.

The current Maksimir tactician joined Dinamo a year ago, coming from the Koprivnica club.

"I'm pleased that we're opening the competition against them specifically. Last season we played well against Slaven Belupo. In the meantime, they've changed quite a few players. And knowing my colleague Marijo Gregurina as I do, I can say that they won't just defend but will also press high. They'll want to surprise us. As I said, they've brought in many players. In pre-season they played many matches, they were particularly good in their last two games against Sesvete and Shakhtar, creating chances... I know Slaven Belupo is a good team, but we're playing at our stadium, we've started the season well with our progress in Europe. The focus is on us, we want to be sharp from the first minute, with no gaps, going straight for the victory. I believe in a good match."

This is Kovačević's second season as Dinamo's coach. What would he change compared to last season?

"Personally, I wouldn't change much, we achieved our goals. Our desire and aim is to retain the championship title, but also to earn a few more points than last year, score a few more goals even though we were efficient. And we want to concede fewer goals, that's where we can improve. Last season we had four defeats in the championship, we want that number to be smaller too."

How to balance the team in the upcoming demanding rhythm of domestic and European matches?

"It's much easier now than last season because the team is formed. You know how it was last year, for the first month and a half we only played league matches, now we're immediately going into a strong rhythm. We'll probably rotate all the players. But it's just the beginning, we've had two official matches behind us. In this last game we showed that we have depth, the players who came off the bench reacted brilliantly and showed they want to play. Everyone will get their chance. As I said, we'll rotate quite a bit for this match too. Those who won't start are important to us too, of course, because a good reaction from those who come off the bench is crucial."

Luka Stojković returns to the squad after being suspended for both matches against Thun due to a red card against Genk.

"I couldn't wait for Stojković to start. We got past Thun without him, now it's easier. It's good that he's starting in the championship, to feel the game, I believe he'll be even better. After all, he makes others better too."

Dinamo's opponent in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League will be Lithuanian Kauno Žalgiris, led by former Dinamo coach Željko Sopić.

"We know what kind of opponent they are, but our focus is on the league match. We must look at ourselves and I believe we'll advance. But first we have the match on Friday" – coach Kovačević added.