Dinamo's Strategist Praises Beljo's Effort, Declares Stojković Key
Mario Kovačević analyzed the game after the high victory over Kauno Žalgiris, announced a serious approach to the return leg, and praised colleague Sopić.
Mario Kovačević analyzed the game after the high victory over Kauno Žalgiris, announced a serious approach to the return leg, and praised colleague Sopić.
Dinamo defeated Kauno Žalgiris 5:0 at Maksimir in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, and coach Mario Kovačević did not hide his satisfaction at the press conference. He was particularly pleased that five different players got on the scoresheet, but he also singled out one who did not.
While his teammates found the net against the Lithuanian side, striker Dion Drena Beljo remained goalless but received special recognition from his coach. "We scored five goals with five different scorers. Dion Drena Beljo wasn't among the scorers this time, but I must certainly praise him because he was truly good in everything else he did on the pitch," said Kovačević.
The Modri strategist also reflected on the course of the match, admitting that the start was not easy. "We prepared the game well; we knew the opponent would sit in a block, but it wasn't easy until the first goal. It's not easy when the opponent defends well and organized; you have to 'break through' with a shot or a good move. We managed to do that, and we scored another goal very quickly," he explained.
Journalists were also interested in the increasingly better play of Luka Stojković, who once again confirmed his importance. The coach confirmed his contribution without hesitation. "I've said this many times, even last year when the team was being assembled, when Stojković became the main player, he showed that he makes all of us better," he stated.
Despite the high five-goal advantage, Kovačević does not allow any relaxation ahead of the return leg in Lithuania. He emphasized that he will continue with player rotation, but with a clear intention. "You've seen that in these four matches we've given almost all players a chance, and they even have similar minutes. We'll continue like that in this busy schedule that awaits us. But we're going to the return leg in Lithuania seriously, with the desire for another win," he said.
When asked about a potential opponent in the play-off, Norway's Viking, he remained reserved. "I wouldn't talk about Viking now. We want to remain sportsmen to the end; we want to first get through the return leg and then talk about what follows. Žalgiris is better and more quality on their home turf than they were here," he added.
Finally, he spoke with great respect about his counterpart on the Kauno Žalgiris bench, Željko Sopić. "We've always been on good terms, from our playing days and, of course, later as colleagues. I respect him and everything he has done. He gets the maximum out of his teams. They aren't as bad as we were good this evening. I wish colleague Sopić all the best," Kovačević concluded.
