Coach Kovačević: It's good that we showed character in the end and won, that's what matters to us
2.5.2026

Coach Kovačević: It's good that we showed character in the end and won, that's what matters to us

After the match

We started the match very well, created a nice move for the goal at the beginning, highlighted Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević immediately after the away victory against Gorica with 2:1.

– That goal was important, especially to make the home team a bit more nervous. But we conceded quickly after a set piece and the match returned to level terms. I must say this wasn't our best match, we made many mistakes, we made changes along the way, but in the end we still got our chance and scored for the victory. I had a small concern before this match, we've been in good form for a long time, we won the championship title, celebrated and you know how it is... I say, I was worried about this match, but it's good that we showed character in the end, won and that's what matters to us.

Sergi Dominguez received a yellow card in Velika Gorica, and as this is his fourth yellow card he will have to miss the next league match against Hajduk in Zagreb on May 9th. Dominguez came off the bench to replace the injured Scott McKenna.

– McKenna felt his adductor, we'll see... I hope he'll be ready for the match against Hajduk.

Four days after the match against Hajduk comes the Cup final against Rijeka.

– Now I've given the players two days off, Sunday and Monday, so everything can settle down a bit. We want to finish the season the way we deserve, we'll give our all in the match against Hajduk regardless of the fact that we've mathematically secured the championship title. After that is the Cup final, also against a good opponent. I hope McKenna will be fine. Bruno Goda also has some minor problems, he wasn't feeling his best. But I'm confident we'll be right and finish the championship with satisfaction in the proper way.

Dion Drena Beljo has scored 29 goals this season in the HNL, with the desire to surpass Eduardo da Silva's record of 34 goals from the 2006/07 season. However, in this match coach Kovačević substituted him in the 62nd minute.

– We'll do everything to help Beljo reach the record, but we are Dinamo, we won't put personal goals first. There's also some concern about fatigue. Look, we wanted to take off Josip Mišić even earlier, but that's how the match unfolded. The plan was for Beljo to play 60 minutes – concluded coach Kovačević.

GNK Dinamo Zagreb