Varaždin confirms top spot with third win: Šafarić proud of the defense
Varaždin has achieved a perfect record in the first three rounds of the SuperSport HNL, and coach Nikola Šafarić calls for calm ahead of the trip to Dinamo.
Varaždin has achieved a perfect record in the first three rounds of the SuperSport HNL, and coach Nikola Šafarić calls for calm ahead of the trip to Dinamo.
Varaždin's footballers continued their perfect start to the season. With a 2:0 victory over Rijeka at the Varteks stadium, they recorded their third win in as many rounds of the SuperSport HNL, solidifying their place at the top of the table. The only club keeping pace with Varaždin so far is Osijek, the other club from the banks of the Drava.
The hero of the match was Ivan Mamut, who found the back of the net in the 20th and 31st minutes. His goals sparked celebrations among the large home crowd on the west stand. This victory is particularly significant as it was Varaždin's first clean sheet of the season, in their fifth official match.
Varaždin coach Nikola Šafarić did not hide his satisfaction after the match. "Congratulations to the boys on another excellent performance. We played a great first half, and in the second we were calm, showed that we know how to defend and that it's no problem for us-on the contrary, we feel comfortable in that low block," Šafarić told HRT.
He also reflected on the opening stages of the match. "The start of the game was, I'd say, a bit shaky, but after the first goal everything opened up. Later, we got into our rhythm, created beautiful chances, entered dangerous situations with ease, and could have scored a few more. That's what pleases me-that we're transferring what we do in training to the match. I'll say it again: it's a pleasure to coach this team," he added.
Despite the impressive run, Šafarić urges caution. "It's also pleasing that we didn't concede today against a good, European-level Rijeka. These are all great results, but let's take it slow. Only three rounds have passed. We should enjoy these moments, but without euphoria and without getting carried away. We need to try to get the maximum from the next match ahead of us; that's how we're wired mentally," he said.
Next weekend, Varaždin faces a very tough away match at Maksimir against Dinamo. "We'll go to Zagreb to try to get a positive result. I wish them all the best in the Champions League, but I hope for a great performance from us. The atmosphere will be fantastic; this will be like another European match for us," concluded the coach and sporting director of the Varaždin top-flight club.
Varaždin opened the season with a 2:1 win over Hajduk, followed by a 1:4 victory in Koprivnica against Slaven Belupo, and now a home 2:0 win over Rijeka. The renaissance in the baroque city has been ongoing for two seasons, and it seems to be reaching its peak right now.
