Dinamo Zagreb Coach Satisfied After Pre-Season Win, Eyes Champions League Qualifiers

Dinamo Zagreb continued their pre-season campaign with a 4-2 victory over Slovenian runner-up Koper, marking their third win against Slovenian teams this summer. Despite the win, coach Mario Kovačević acknowledged defensive lapses that led to the first goals conceded by the team during their training matches.

"It's always nice to win. The first half lacked more goals from us, but we were good in the first 25 minutes," Kovačević stated post-match. He noted a dip in compactness and an increase in errors after the initial period. "We conceded goals due to our mistakes; we still lack some cohesion there." He added that the match was beneficial, especially as Koper is closer to starting their season.

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It's always nice to win. The first half lacked more goals from us, but we were good in the first 25 minutes. Well spread out, and after the break we fell a bit, we made mistakes and were not compact. In the second half, we quickly scored two goals, we changed and so the rhythm of the game changed. We conceded goals from our mistakes, we lack a bit of cohesion there. This match was good for us. It is clear that Koper is a bit easier for us because their season starts soon.

The team is now focusing on the upcoming Champions League qualifiers against Thun. However, Dinamo will be without key player Luka Stojković, who is suspended for the two matches due to a red card. Kovačević expressed confidence in the team's ability to manage his absence, mentioning Vidović as a potential replacement.

"We are watching them [Thun], my staff will attend their match on Saturday, and we will be well-prepared," Kovačević said. "We are aware of how important that match is for us. We know there is artificial turf there, but we will not complain. We will prepare well and go to play a good game."

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We are watching them [Thun], my staff will attend their match on Saturday, and we will be well-prepared. We are aware of how important that match is for us. We know there is artificial turf there, but we will not complain. We will prepare well and go to play a good game.