Coach Kovačević: For now we're only thinking about Rudeš, league points are important to us
Before the match
In a packed schedule, between two European challenges last and next Tuesday, the Maksimir footballers face a new challenge in the domestic league. After convincingly defeating Lithuanian Kauno Žalgiris in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League, Dinamo will host Norwegian Viking in the first leg of the play-off on Tuesday in Zagreb, but in the meantime they will be looking for points on the domestic scene. On Friday at 8 PM on the Maksimir pitch, city neighbours Dinamo and Rudeš will meet in the 3rd round of SuperSport HNL.
– This is still the beginning of the season, we have achieved some goals in the meantime, but at this moment we wouldn't think beyond Rudeš. League points are very important to us – emphasized coach Mario Kovačević.
How many changes will there be in the lineup compared to the match in Lithuania?
– We will change the lineup, but not just for the sake of it, but because we have a wide squad. I trust the players who have played less so far. I even feel sorry when more of them don't get a chance, but only 16 can play in a match. Everyone works well and can't wait to play. This is their opportunity to show themselves and prove themselves. I'm saying, there will be many changes compared to the starting lineup from Lithuania. We have many matches ahead of us, we have to make changes... Look, not even two days have passed since the match in Lithuania. We have quality, good players who I want to show that they deserve to play more.
What condition is Luka Stojković in?
– I hope he will be fine, he didn't train on Wednesday, he has a problem with his adductor and most likely won't be in the squad for the match against Rudeš. We don't want to take risks. I believe he will be ready for Tuesday. Matteo Perez Vinlöf also came off at halftime in Lithuania like Stojković, he got a knock, but he has trained in the meantime, feels good and will compete for the match on Friday.
What kind of match do you expect against Rudeš?
– I expect a similar one as against other opponents in league matches at our ground. Rudeš didn't start the season well, but they had good segments of play. We approach every team with seriousness, we will analyze them well. I expect them to defend in an organized manner and try to surprise us on counters and half-counters. It's important that we are patient, that we play attacking from the first minute and score a goal as early as possible.
Goalkeeper Ivan Nevistić stepped into the spotlight after Ivan Filipović received a red card in the 32nd minute of the match in Lithuania. Have you spoken with Nevistić?
– We talk with everyone daily. We talked both before and now. We have goalkeepers we can count on. Nevistić has quality, he was in a small crisis so we replaced him, but he really works very well. There's also Danijel Zagorac, after all. I never doubted the quality of Nevistić and Zagorac, they're not from yesterday... I'm satisfied with our goalkeepers, and I always demand more and better from all players. After all, we all make mistakes, and they have brought us much more good things – concluded coach Kovačević.
