Gregurina Announces Local Derby

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM, Slaven Belupo will host Varaždin at their home ground in a Round 2 clash of the SuperSport Croatian Football League. The match carries the label of a local derby, and the fact that two former teammates from the Pharmacy ranks are on opposite sides adds extra spice.

Injury Update and Grgić's Return

Slaven Belupo's coach, Mario Gregurina, revealed good news from the dressing room at a press conference held on Saturday, August 8. He emphasized that all players who were in contention for the Maksimir match are fit, and he particularly highlighted the return of an experienced midfielder.

"Regarding the health situation, everyone who was in contention for Maksimir will be ready for this match, and Alen Grgić should also return, likely getting some minutes tomorrow. We're getting better and better in terms of energy, the injured are slowly coming back, and we're gaining squad depth, so we'll certainly be ready for Varaždin," said Gregurina.

Extra Intensity and the Hunt for First Points

Gregurina, who has experienced numerous northern derbies as both a player and a coach, admitted that this match carries extra weight due to his personal acquaintance with his counterpart on the Varaždin bench, Nikola Šafarić. Despite their friendly relationship, the goal is clear, a first win of the new season in front of the home fans.

"We have a fellow coach there whom we played with at Slaven, so we have a very good relationship, but of course you always want to win, no matter who you play against. Maybe this is a slightly bigger match for both camps, the intensity is a bit higher, but it's a match like any other, and we want to prepare in the best possible way. This is our first opportunity at home to get a win, and we'll give everything to secure our first three points as early as tomorrow," announced the Pharmacy strategist.

Respect for the Opponent

Reflecting on the opponent's strength, Gregurina did not hold back in his praise. He is aware of the quality of a team that arrives in Koprivnica with great confidence after defeating Hajduk Split 2:1 in Round 1.

"It would certainly have made things easier for us if they were still playing in Europe, but regardless, they are a very serious team, with depth in every position, they have the same squad as last year, no injury problems, and we can expect a real match," concluded Gregurina.

Šafarić's Formula: Unity and Continuity

On the other side, Varaždin's coach Nikola Šafarić wants to confirm an excellent start to the season with a positive result at Apaš. He is aware that Slaven Belupo has a few new faces in the starting eleven, but he believes in the strength of his well-drilled squad.

"They have three or four new players in the starting lineup, and of course it takes time for everything to click. They brought in players who fit their style of play, so there are no major changes. We respect them, as we do every opponent. Every match is a new test, and there is no room for complacency. I think our advantage is our unity and the fact that we've mostly stayed together, so we know each other's game well. We'll approach the match with that mindset from the first minute," said Šafarić.