Just three days after opening the third front of this season in the cup clash in Ivanovo, Dinamo's footballers are returning to Slavonia once again. The Blues will visit Osijek on Saturday at 5 PM in the 7th round of the SuperSport HNL, and for Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević it will also be a reminder of his debut – it was precisely at Osijek's Opus Arena that he first led Dinamo's team in an official match. And the Blues celebrated that day with a convincing 2-0 performance.

– The team is in good shape, but unfortunately, Bruno Goda is ill so he will have to miss the match. All the others are ready. Captain Josip Mišić is returning to us. This cup match was good for us, and the lads have also trained well this week and we await the clash against Osijek ready – highlighted coach Mario Kovačević.

From the press came a humorous question – "haven't you been sacked?" This was, of course, an allusion to the hasty articles by some media outlets questioning the status of Dinamo's coach.

– I'm fighting, working and really only thinking about the next match. My only thought is that we'll be better against Osijek than in some of our previous matches. I believe that will be the case. As for the other matter, I wouldn't comment on it.

Dinamo faces three important matches in a short period: the visit to Osijek, then the Europa League start against Israeli Hapoel Beer Sheva in Bucharest, followed by another league clash against Lokomotiva and then the championship break...

– Every match is important for us. As I say, I always look at the next one, that's the most important. Priority in the lineup will go to those who have carried the greatest burden in this part of the championship so far. However, I can't wait for our new players to reach their 100 percent, but they're not there yet. We'll see. Some will get their chance, and four days later another match awaits us. The most important thing is that we're healthy, and we'll somehow distribute our strength. All the players came in good condition, we'll use all of them.

The squad includes several new players. In the cup match, for example, both returnee Luka Ivanušec and Iker Almena performed well.

– Ivanušec and Almena will certainly be reinforcements for us, that's already visible. We'll use them in the match in Osijek as well, but we'll still see what our starting lineup will be.

Fran Topić and Robert Mudražija also played in Ivanovo, who, for instance, are not registered in the Europa League squad. Will they compete for the match in Osijek?

– I keep repeating, there's great competition at Dinamo, but the lads are here, training... Topić is traveling with us, Mudražija is not.

Regardless, a demanding match awaits the Maksimir team in Osijek.

– Osijek has started the season very well, they play beautifully, openly. There were some player departures so they've lost their last two matches and it's clear they're not satisfied because of that... Regardless of the departures, they have good young players, and we absolutely must be careful. We know an easy job doesn't await us although it's very nice to play at the Opus Arena. They're a good team, a lot revolves around Luka Vrbančić, they have good wings, striker Leon is dangerous. We must be careful. We've prepared, shown the players the most important things in analysis... But the most important thing is how we'll be. And I believe we'll be the way we want to be – concluded coach Kovačević.