Coach Kovačević: I expect the right reaction from our players, we'll start strong from the first minute
Pre-match
Dinamo's footballers briefly emerged from their hectic schedule and this time finally had a peaceful week to prepare for the new match. The time crunch in which they play almost every three or four days temporarily disappeared, so Mario Kovačević's team, after Saturday's 2-2 draw against Istra 1961 in Pula, had a full seven days to focus on new challenges. The first in line is the Maksimir clash against Gorica in the 6th round of SuperSport HNL on Saturday at 5 PM.
Meanwhile, Dinamo was active in the transfer window, with goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski, returnee Luka Ivanušec and winger Iker Almena joining the squad this week. Which of the new players could make their debut against Gorica?
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– The transfer window is slowly ending, there have been changes in the squad, but we'll see who might play against Gorica. Of the new players, goalkeeper Kotarski is closest to a place in the starting lineup, but we'll also use the other reinforcements – coach Kovačević emphasized.
How satisfied is the Maksimir strategist with the transfer window?
– I'm very satisfied with the new players, we're even stronger now. After all, a club like Dinamo requires such strong competition. We're playing on three fronts, we have many obligations and matches ahead of us, we'll use many players and I hope they'll prove to be reinforcements.
Departures of some players are also possible, of course.
– We'll see, the transfer window is still ongoing, there's great competition. Personally, I feel sorry that some players have fewer minutes because others are ahead of them. There will be departures too, every footballer primarily wants to play.
Gorica is currently at the bottom of the table, but they earned a draw against Rijeka and put up solid resistance against Hajduk, only losing points in the final moments...
– That must be a warning to us, especially the match against Rijeka where they won a point. They've strengthened, brought in many players. Of course, nobody is satisfied when they're last in the table, but Gorica will give their all, in matches like this they have nothing to lose. However, in the end, only we are asked, I expect the right reaction from our players. This week we had time to prepare, I believe we used it well. We'll start strong from the first minute, regardless of Gorica who will, naturally, look for their chance.
Dion Drena Beljo has continued with excellent performances from last season, and this time, alongside scoring goals, he's also distinguished himself with assists.
– I'm pleased for him. You always want more, stronger, better... He's in his best years, last season was outstanding for him, and we all want this one to be even better. I'm glad you noticed that he assists a lot too. He plays much better in the defensive phase. Beljo is an example of how one should work.
Luka Ivanušec has also returned to the squad and will, of course, compete for the midfield. Will he occasionally step in at one of the wing positions?
– We plan to use him in the middle of the pitch, but we know he can play well on both left and right. It won't be a problem if we need to put him on the wing – coach Kovačević added.
