Dinamo Zagreb's coach, Mario Kovačević, anticipates a challenging match against Hajduk Split in the biggest Croatian derby, acknowledging the competitive nature of the event and the state of his team's roster.
In a pre-match conference, Dinamo Zagreb's coach Mario Kovačević discussed the upcoming derby against Hajduk Split, emphasizing the unique and challenging nature of derby matches. He expressed excitement about the encounter, highlighting its significance for fans and teams alike. Kovačević acknowledged the match as crucial, but he maintains a consistent approach to every game, stressing the importance of focusing on the overall league rather than just one match since there are many rounds left in the season.
The coach provided an update on his players' availability, noting the absence of key team members such as Bennacer, Lisica, Theophilea, and Filipović. While the team faced a demanding schedule recently, he mentioned that they managed to refresh some players in preparation for this critical matchup. The team understands that despite their current form, the derby will be a tough test against a Hajduk team that will play aggressively in front of their home fans.
Kovačević also recognized Hajduk's recent performance, particularly their determination in a prior match against Rijeka, indicating that the home team would not easily yield to Dinamo. He is fully aware of the intensity the derby brings and is preparing his squad to meet the challenge head-on, as he expects Hajduk to set a high pace and embody a proactive playing style, making for a compelling encounter in Croatian football.
