Kovačević reveals his hand ahead of Kaunas clash
Dinamo host Kauno Žalgiris at Maksimir on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, with coach Mario Kovačević facing several selection dilemmas.
Dinamo host Kauno Žalgiris at Maksimir on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, with coach Mario Kovačević facing several selection dilemmas.
Ahead of the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round against Kauno Žalgiris, Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević confirmed at a press conference at Maksimir that almost all players are fit, but admitted he is still weighing several options for the starting lineup. The match at Maksimir kicks off on Tuesday at 8 PM, while the return leg in Lithuania is scheduled a week later at 7 PM.
Kovačević revealed that midfielder Miha Zajc had minor fitness concerns but has trained and is expected to be available. "Zajc had some minor problems, but he trained and I believe everyone will be available. We need to keep improving from game to game, and I'm confident we'll be even better on Tuesday. We're aware of the importance of the match and I believe we'll perform well," said the Dinamo coach.
While the goalkeeper and right-back positions are practically locked in, Ivan Filipović will continue in goal, and Moris Valinčić will start on the right, the remaining three spots in the back line are still up for deliberation. The centre-back pairing of Sergi Dominguez and Scott McKenna is the standard solution in European matches, but Kovačević rested that duo against Slaven Belupo and gave chances to Niko Galešić and Stjepan Radeljić, who left a very good impression. "As for the centre-backs, I'm very satisfied with that competition, just like at every other position. We've had two different centre-back pairings, we'll combine strengths and everyone will play," said Kovačević.
The left-back spot is a particular story. Bruno Goda was the starter in Europe, but his performances haven't fully convinced the coaching staff. Matteo Perez Vinlof came on in the return leg against Thun and played the entire match against Slaven Belupo, bringing noticeably more energy and penetration in combination with Arber Hoxha and Mislav Oršić.
In midfield, things are somewhat clearer, Josip Mišić, Miha Zajc, and Luka Stojković are expected to form the midfield line. If Zajc is unable to play, Gabriel Vidović or Lukas Kačavenda will step in. Up front, Dion Drena Beljo is a certain choice, but Kovačević has headaches on the wings.
On the right wing, the competition consists of Mateo Lisica and Fran Topić. Lisica started both European matches, while Topić came off the bench and was crucial for Dinamo's goals. Against Slaven Belupo, he started from the first minute, but the impression is that the team benefits more when he comes off the bench.
The biggest dilemma, however, is on the left side, where Mislav Oršić and Arber Hoxha are vying for a spot. Oršić is the starter in Europe, but he hasn't yet reached his recognizable form, while Hoxha comes off the bench and hasn't offered enough to establish himself as the first choice. "We look at who is in the best form and that's how we'll set up the team. I have quality players and covered positions. We'll see who is the best option on the wings, and I believe we'll choose well," Kovačević said.
While the team prepares for an important European match, the club announced that on August 3, 2026, they surpassed last year's record of 65,243 members and friends of the club, and did so 150 days earlier than last year. "Every day, with every new member, that record will only grow and grow," reads the club's statement on social media.
Additionally, from August 6 to 9, the iconic Mladen Ramljak Tournament will take place, featuring Dinamo's youth team alongside Club Brugge, Juventus, Benfica, Ajax, Athletic Bilbao, Hajduk, and Bologna. All tournament content will be available on the Dinamo Plus platform.
