To return to the desired form as soon as possible and secure three peaceful weeks of preparation for new challenges with a victory against Lokomotiva. These are the wishes of Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević ahead of the clash against city neighbours Lokomotiva scheduled for Sunday at 8 PM at Maksimir Stadium in the 8th round of SuperSport HNL.

The match is scheduled four days after the Europa League start in which Dinamo played 0-0 against Israeli Hapoel in Bucharest. After Sunday's match follows a three-week league break due to international duty.

– I already praised my players after the match in Bucharest, we're not in ideal condition, but we fought, showed character. We look at the new match in the same way, positively, we need a fighting approach. After that we have a break in which we'll prepare for what awaits us in the continuation of the season. I say, I don't doubt my team. We know that an easy match doesn't await us, we must give everything we have. We must now, in this condition, prepare well and win – coach Kovačević emphasized.

Journalists were interested in what specifically is happening with the team?

– Nothing different is happening than in other clubs. In sport you can't always go only on an upward trajectory because if that were the case, we would reach the Moon. The path is wavy, it can't constantly go upward. In this period too we fought, we had difficult qualifications. Sometimes there's a small drop. Some players left, some came, some aren't ready, some are out of form after difficult matches. I'm sure that those who came will be reinforcements for us. For now they're not ready yet. The team is changing, there are quite a few new players and it takes time for them to get into form. I don't doubt that will happen. As a coach I've gone through similar situations in other clubs, it happens elsewhere too. We'll come out of this even better and stronger.

Is it a matter of form or psychological state of the players?

– It's all mixed... We're fighting. We got a draw, in Europe every point is important. We need to get through this period. On Thursday we came back from the trip, we have two training sessions until the clash against Lokomotiva. We must prepare well and win. I believe we'll then be much better and more quality, especially when the new players fit in. Some will return to form. I don't doubt it will be good.

How will Dinamo use the league break? Many players will be absent due to international duties.

– I'm pleased that we have many internationals, I'm happy and proud of that. Last year we didn't have a single one. During the break we'll need to work on fitness too, some players need to be refreshed. There will be a lot of work. We must make a good plan with the fitness coaches so we can use the break to be more quality.

Lokomotiva is a demanding opponent.

– In the last match Lokomotiva drew even though Rijeka was better. Lokomotiva also wants an upward trajectory, it won't be easy. Matches against them are difficult, but we are still more quality and I believe we'll show that on the pitch.

What condition are the recovering players in?

– Dion Drena Beljo and Stjepan Radeljić should be ready. Lukas Kačavenda is out of action.

Journalists were interested whether coach Kovačević feels additional pressure and whether he has spoken with president Zvonimir Boban in the meantime?

– I talk with the president daily, and that's the best thing for a coach. I don't feel the slightest pressure. Believe me, not the slightest. I'm proud of everything we've done in the last year and a bit with the new team. I won't repeat everything we've accomplished, you all know it well. In sport such moments come too, but I believe we'll come out of everything even better and stronger. I only have pressure from my own side because I want us to be better. We must be better, and I believe we'll show that already on Sunday. I don't doubt either my players or the club. If someone doubts, that's their problem – coach Kovačević concluded.