Coach Kovačević: This match came at the right time for us
Post-match
It's always nice to win, I think we started the match well, we dominated, had plenty of situations from which we could have scored, we were good, energetic, and that's how it was until the middle of the first half, highlighted Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević after the Blues defeated Slovenian runners-up Koper 4-2 in a friendly match at Maksimir.
– In the second part of the first half, so after the break, we weren't good, we weren't compact, we didn't attack well, we made mistakes, lost balls... We can't be satisfied with that part. In the second half we reacted much better, quickly scored two goals, it was very good until the substitutions. After that we made changes, and the rhythm of the game changed with it. When we changed the defence we conceded two goals, you could see that we're not well-drilled at the back like that, we made two mistakes... But we're pleased that even then we scored two more goals, had more good situations. This match came at the right time for us. You can see that Koper's league starts soon and that they're perhaps a bit more relaxed than us.
Dinamo has one more friendly match next week before the season starts. How satisfied is coach Kovačević with the current state of the team?
– I'm satisfied, that fatigue has to come. We rested a bit on Saturday and Sunday, now we're working hard again. You can see that legs are heavy when a fresher opponent comes. When we got into trouble we didn't drop our heads but fought and had many more good scoring opportunities and that's good. We still need to fix some things.
Dinamo will open the season on 21 July when they visit Swiss side Thun in the first leg of the Champions League 2nd qualifying round.
– My colleagues will watch Thun's earlier matches, the Swiss team has changed a lot this summer. We'll prepare well. We're aware of how important that match is for us. Besides that, we'll be playing on artificial turf, it won't be easy. As I say, we must prepare well.
In those two ties Dinamo will have to play without Luka Stojković who must serve a suspension due to a red card from last season. However, even in this match against Koper you could see that he brings an extra dimension.
– Yes, you can see that we've gelled with Stojković, he's 'clicked' with his teammates. We know the core of the team that should start against Thun. It's normal that we miss Stojković, but for now we have to manage without him.
In front of the Maksimir crowd, Mislav Oršić also played for the first time in three and a half years.
– He was good, you can see he has energy, and when his legs get a bit lighter, he'll be even better. We don't doubt Oršić at all – concluded coach Kovačević.
