Dinamo coach Kovačević believes in team despite errors after Champions League exit

Dinamo Zagreb's coach Mario Kovačević remains confident in his team's potential despite their recent failure to qualify for the Champions League. The Croatian club will now compete in the Europa League after a disappointing exit from the Champions League qualifiers. Kovačević acknowledged the sting of the loss in Stavanger but stressed that there is no time for regret, as the team is already preparing for their next domestic league match.

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We all wanted, normally, to qualify for the Champions League. And I think we deserved a little more in these two matches, but that's how it is in football. The opponent punishes some mistakes. And unfortunately, this year we did not manage to enter the Champions League, but we qualified for the Europa League through three qualifying rounds. We look forward to the next European matches.

"We all wanted, normally, to qualify for the Champions League. And I think we deserved a little more in these two matches, but that's how it is in football. The opponent punishes some mistakes. And unfortunately, this year we did not manage to enter the Champions League, but we qualified for the Europa League through three qualifying rounds. We look forward to the next European matches," Kovačević stated. He also commented on the Europa League draw, noting the presence of "good, interesting opponents" but asserting that the team will "not give up against anyone" and will approach each game individually.

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Regarding Europe, you saw the opponents, they are all good, interesting opponents, but we will not give up against anyone. We will go game by game.

Despite the European setback, Dinamo leads the Croatian First Football League (HNL) with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, having postponed their game against Rijeka. They aim to extend this winning streak when they face Istra 1961 in Pula. Kovačević acknowledged the difficulty of playing Istra, recalling a previous loss in Pula, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure a victory. He highlighted Istra's "interesting and beautiful football," particularly in attack, and noted the presence of "many excellent young players" that Dinamo must watch.

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I believe in this team, regardless of some of the mistakes we make, but I believe we can be better from game to game.

Kovačević emphasized his belief in the team's talent and their capacity to improve. "I believe in this team, regardless of some of the mistakes we make, but I believe we can be better from game to game," he said. He also reiterated the goal of making progress in Europe compared to the previous year. The coach noted the short turnaround time between matches but expressed confidence in the squad's depth. "We will prepare, because we know we are playing against a difficult opponent, but we believe in victory," he concluded.

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We will prepare, because we know we are playing against a difficult opponent, but we believe in victory.