Croatian expert Željko Sopić and his compatriot Ivan Fiolić with Lithuania's Kauno Žalgiris seek a sensation against Dinamo in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
On Tuesday at 8 PM at Maksimir, much more than a mere third qualifying round match of the Champions League will be played. For Željko Sopić and Ivan Fiolić, the two Croats leading Lithuania's Kauno Žalgiris, this is also an emotional return home, where Zagreb's Dinamo awaits them.
The return leg is scheduled for August 11, 2026, in Lithuania, but all focus is now on the first encounter. Žalgiris reached this stage after a 1-0 victory over Klaksvík from the Faroe Islands, and now a significantly tougher test awaits them. "If we wanted to surrender, we would have canceled the match and the charter," said Sopić, clearly signaling that his team did not come just to go through the motions.
At Monday's press conference in Zagreb, Sopić did not hide how special this moment is for him. "It's like asking me which child I love more. Tomorrow I'm on the other side, but my whole life I've been on Dinamo's side. You have to be professional; this is my job after all," said the former coach of Gorica and Osijek.
He does not shy away from the fact that Dinamo is the favorite, but he believes in his team. "I'm not stupid; I know they are more quality than us, a spaceship, so to speak. We've gotten past all the teams so far that played a style that doesn't suit us. My coaching staff and I have been with the players for a month; we know what it means when Dinamo plays at Maksimir carried by the stands," he added.
Asked about the pressure on Dinamo as the favorite, he was brief: "You have no idea how many such matches Dinamo has already played. It doesn't matter whether you're the favorite or not."
Ivan Fiolić, who came through Dinamo's academy and played for Lokomotiva, was also visibly moved. "It's a big day for all of us, especially for me. It's not an easy day for me and my family, but I'm confident we are ready," he said. "I grew up here and took my first football steps. We need to give our all in tomorrow's match." Asked about celebrating if he scores, he replied: "I've already had that opportunity with Lokomotiva and Osijek. It will be the same if I score now."
Sopić also commented on Dinamo player Kovačević's wish to play specifically against Žalgiris. "I haven't read the statement; we've known each other for years. It's nice of him to wish that. The wishes are mutual; we also rooted for Dinamo against Thun."
Although in Croatia Dinamo is considered the absolute favorite, Sopić emphasizes that reaching the third qualifying round is a great success for his club. "I know it might not seem that way to the media and fans, but in Lithuania, this is a big deal. We're playing against the strongest; if we get through, we'll play against the strongest again, and then against someone like Beşiktaş. I told the boys we have to live in the present," he said.
He also touched on the difference between Croatian and Lithuanian football: "I think they can't be compared at the national level; Croatia has won three medals. As for the club level, I could talk about that for hours."
He spoke fondly about life in Lithuania. "It's a beautiful city, and the people are very warm. They remind me a lot of my Croatia. It's always nicer when you have good results."
Sopić admitted he has headaches before assembling the team. "We have some problems because we don't have enough young players. I don't know how to solve some issues. I don't know who will be on the list; Kalik came to the hotel today. I'm happy because the people at the club asked me what I need, and I expressed my wishes. We have training today, after which we'll see who will play."
Regarding the high temperatures in Zagreb, which reached 37 degrees, Sopić was clear: "As for the weather conditions, it's hot for Croats too, not just for us. We came to play for the Champions League; I don't want to hear any excuses if someone is unhappy that it's 37 degrees outside."
