Kovačević revealed why he substituted the best player at halftime: 'Even with 7-0 it's not easy'

Dinamo Zagreb secured their place in the final Champions League qualifying round by defeating Kauno Žalgiris 2-1 in the return leg, completing a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory. The Croatian champions will now face Norwegian side Viking for a coveted spot among Europe's elite 36 teams.

“

We can be satisfied, but even with a 7-0 lead, it cannot be easy. We scored two beautiful goals, all that stands, but we still made too many mistakes and allowed Žalgiris too many opportunities.

Despite the comfortable aggregate score, coach Mario Kovačević expressed that the match was not without its challenges. "We can be satisfied, but even with a 7-0 lead, it cannot be easy," he stated. Kovačević noted that while his team scored two "beautiful goals," they still made too many mistakes and allowed Žalgiris too many opportunities. He highlighted the importance of maintaining focus, even with a significant lead, as football can quickly change.

The red card shown to goalkeeper Ivan Filipović in the second half added a layer of difficulty, giving the home team a boost. "We stood in a block, we didn't allow them much afterwards, but we couldn't do more either," Kovačević explained. The team conceded a goal but managed to limit further damage, though the effort expended was more than intended.

“

But you see, in football, you can never relax. Unfortunately, that red card and after that the home team got a little boost. We stood in a block, we didn't allow them much afterwards, but we couldn't do more either.

Kovačević also addressed player rotations and potential injuries. Three players were substituted at halftime, and others were considered for changes. Stojković was substituted as a precaution due to feeling his adductor, and Perez Vinlöf sustained a knock. "We hope they will be fine by Tuesday," Kovačević said, emphasizing that despite the red card, there were no serious injuries, which contributes to their overall satisfaction.

“

We hope they will be fine by Tuesday, but also for Friday so we have enough players for Rudeš. So, from that side, again, apart from that red card, there were no injuries, so we have to and can be satisfied.

The coach reiterated the team's strong desire to reach the Champions League, a goal stemming from winning the league title last season. "We live for it. Last season we won the championship and our desire is for all of us to enter the Champions League," he said. Dinamo has already scouted Viking and believes they can perform well in the first leg at home. Kovačević also mentioned the team's depth, which allows for rotations in the domestic league, ensuring they are prepared for their upcoming match against Rudeš.

“

We live for it. Last season we won the championship and our desire is for all of us to enter the Champions League. We wanted it, we reached the play-off and surely we will give our all and scout Viking well.