Kauno Žalgiris coach Željko Sopić, ahead of the Champions League third qualifying round match at Maksimir, says he is aware of Dinamo's strength but believes in an upset and announces a reinforcement from Croatia.
Ahead of the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round between Dinamo and Kauno Žalgiris, scheduled for Tuesday at 8 PM at Maksimir, the Lithuanian side's coach Željko Sopić (52) gave an extensive interview to Sportske novosti and Jutarnji list. The Croatian tactician did not hide his delight at facing the club from his hometown, although he is fully aware of the gap in quality and budget.
Sopić revealed that all the seeded teams in the qualifiers had hoped to draw him as an opponent, but he had only one wish. "I couldn't care less whether the first leg is in Zagreb or Kaunas. What mattered most to me was coming to my Zagreb, to my Maksimir. That's all I wanted," Sopić told Sportske novosti.
He added that he has been following reactions on social media. "I follow social media and forums. All the seeded teams wanted us as opponents, and I don't think I need to explain why. But I only wanted Dinamo," he said.
The Kauno Žalgiris coach has carefully analyzed the Croatian champions' performances in their two-legged tie against Thun. "It was tight against Thun, but Dinamo pulled through. There's not much to say-Dinamo is a level above us. Of course, I've seen where we might find our chance, but I certainly won't reveal that publicly. No team in the world is perfect," he stated.
He particularly praised individuals in the "Modri" ranks. "The return of Luka Stojković brings a new dimension to Dinamo. Josip Mišić needs no introduction; he's the most important cog in that team. Dinamo also has top-class center-backs. Just imagine how strong they are when Galešić and Radeljić, who would be starters in most clubs, are sitting on the bench. That says enough about how seriously Dinamo is put together as a team," Sopić concluded.
When asked directly whether he believes in an upset, Sopić responded with a telling message that drew the most attention. "We are satisfied, very satisfied with what we've achieved, securing the Conference League. But.... Muhammad Ali. Write it exactly like that. Let people interpret what I meant by that themselves," he told Sportske novosti.
Jutarnji list draws a parallel with the legendary boxing match "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, suggesting that Sopić and his team are coming to Zagreb to fight to the last ounce of strength, despite being the clear underdogs.
Kauno Žalgiris secured their place in the Conference League and the clash with Dinamo thanks to goals from two Croats and an experienced Lithuanian. Leon Kreković scored the winning goal for 1-0 against Klasvik in the dying moments of the match. "I brought in Leon Kreković and Ivan Fiolić, and there you go, Kreković scored that goal," Sopić told Jutarnji list. He added that the club also brought in Vikintas Slivka (31), who with two goals against Drita secured the passage to the tie with Klasvik. "Thanks to him, we got past to face Klasvik," Sopić emphasized.
Sopić is aware of the huge financial difference between the two clubs. While Dinamo's annual budget is around 68 million euros, Kauno Žalgiris has only 4 million euros at their disposal. According to him, his players' monthly salaries range from 4,000 to 7,000 or 8,000 euros.
"I came to a club with an annual budget of 4 million euros. That's roughly the budget Gorica has. It's around there," Sopić told Jutarnji list. However, he stresses that money won't be decisive. "When you step onto the pitch, the budget doesn't play. It's desire, will... and of course, knowledge, but the minimum I ask of my players is to give their all against Dinamo."
After the historic qualification for the Conference League, the club's president and board promised Sopić three reinforcements. "We've already sent one offer," he revealed. When asked if it's another Croatian, he replied with a question: "What do you think? Of course, I want to bring in another Croatian."
However, his situation is complicated by the fact that the transfer window in Lithuania closed on July 15, so he can only sign free agents. "They really helped us out, ha, ha, ha..." Sopić joked. He also revealed that former footballer and now agent Eros Grezda had contacted him with an offer for Drita's "number ten," but due to the closed window, that transfer isn't possible. Because of European commitments, the league derby against Žalgiris Vilnius has also been postponed, giving Sopić some much-needed training time.
Sopić is thrilled with life in Lithuania. "Life here is-top! As I'm talking to you, I'm sitting on the main street that's 2 kilometers long. It's beautiful. Honestly, I'm loving it in Kaunas," he said. After the victory over Klasvik, which secured the historic qualification, there was a big celebration in the dressing room with the song "on fire," and Sopić, at the players' urging, even danced on the table. "When the players invite you, you have to. Why would I pretend to be something else? Say no?" he said.
Interestingly, Kauno Žalgiris didn't play their previous European match at their 15,000-seat stadium due to a pre-scheduled Pitbull concert, which Sopić humorously commented on. Against Dinamo, however, they will be hosts at their real home ground, and Sopić expects "huge support from the stands."
