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Kovačević reveals Stojković's status, praises opponent's tactics in Dinamo's win
🇭🇷 Croatia /Sports

Kovačević reveals Stojković's status, praises opponent's tactics in Dinamo's win

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Dinamo Zagreb defeated Varaždin 3-1 to maintain their perfect start to the HNL season.
  • Coach Mario Kovačević praised his team's patience and ability to break down a strong Varaždin defense.
  • The team is focused on recovery ahead of their next match against Viking, with only Stojković a doubt due to injury.

Dinamo Zagreb secured a 3-1 victory over Varaždin, extending their winning streak to three games in the new HNL season. The match, described as a "derby of the championship" by Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević, saw the defending champions face a resilient Varaždin side that had performed well in the opening rounds.

We were impatient in the first half; they defended well and caused us problems.

— Mario KovačevićDescribing the team's initial struggles against Varaždin's defense.

"Varaždin was very good for the first three rounds, and I think it was a good match," Kovačević commented. "We were impatient in the first half; they defended well and caused us problems." Despite the early challenges, Kovačević noted that there was no panic at halftime, as the team knew chances would come. Dinamo eventually found their rhythm, with goals from Beljo (58th minute), Galešić (68th), and Mudražija (90+2), while Mladenovski scored for Varaždin in the 28th minute.

Mudri [Mudražija] really deserved it. I'm glad they respect each other and want to help one another.

— Mario KovačevićCommenting on Oršić allowing Mudražija to take a penalty.

Kovačević also highlighted a moment of sportsmanship when Oršić allowed Mudražija to take a penalty, emphasizing the team's camaraderie. "Mudri really deserved it. I'm glad they respect each other and want to help one another," he said. The coach expressed satisfaction with the overall team performance, particularly the contributions from substitutes in the second half, reinforcing the idea of a strong team spirit essential for the league campaign.

We'll patch him up somehow; he'll have to play.

— Mario KovačevićDiscussing the potential injury of player Stojković.

Regarding player fitness, Kovačević confirmed that most of the squad is healthy, with the exception of Stojković, who is being managed for a potential injury. "We'll patch him up somehow; he'll have to play," Kovačević stated, expressing optimism about Stojković's potential availability for the upcoming match against Viking. The coach views the current demanding schedule of playing every three to four days as ideal for maintaining fitness and momentum.

For me, this is an ideal rhythm to play every three, four days.

— Mario KovačevićExpressing his view on the demanding match schedule.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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