Lokomotiva secured their second consecutive win in the SuperSport HNL, beating Gorica 3:1 at Maksimir, but coach Nikica Jelavić admits he's not satisfied with the performance and that the club is actively seeking defensive reinforcements.
Lokomotiva's players continued their perfect start to the new SuperSport HNL season. On Sunday, August 9, 2026, they defeated Gorica 3:1 at the Maksimir stadium, securing their second league victory. Despite the three points, coach Nikica Jelavić was honest in his assessment, admitting his team is not yet at the desired level.
Lokomotiva opened the match at a high tempo and took the lead, but then came a period where Gorica seized the initiative. "We started the game well, the first ten minutes, but after we scored, we unconsciously dropped off. That wasn't the plan; Gorica simply took over. They were good on the ball and caused us problems down our left side," Jelavić analyzed for Sportklub.
Nevertheless, his players managed to score a second goal and went into the break with a 2:0 lead. In the second half, Lokomotiva looked better and had chances to put the game to bed. A missed opportunity for a third goal, which Sušak and Vasilj failed to convert, brought back some tension when Gorica pulled one back to make it 2:1. The home side, however, saw the game out comfortably, with young Noel Đurković setting the final score at 3:1 in stoppage time.
Jelavić particularly highlighted the challenge of managing a very young squad. "We have three or four senators who lead this kindergarten of ours, as I like to call it, because we have a lot of young players, from captain Suba, who was born in 2007, to little Smiljanić, born in 2008, who is still recovering from injury," the Lokomotiva coach described the makeup of his dressing room. He stressed that these experienced players play a crucial role in calming the game and giving the younger teammates a breather, as they are not yet ready to last the full 90 minutes at the highest level.
One of the youngsters who got his chance and took it was Đurković. "Noel is a fantastic professional and a hard worker. He trained really well all week, we rewarded him, and he made the most of his five minutes by scoring a goal," Jelavić praised him, adding that he hopes this will give him extra motivation to keep working and proving himself.
Despite a perfect six points, Lokomotiva are aware that the performances need to improve and the squad needs strengthening. The coach revealed that the club is actively looking for reinforcements, with a clear priority. "Our goal is to bring in another center-back. We won't rush because there's all sorts of stuff being offered. We want to bring in someone quality who can help us," Jelavić stated. He added that the good start to the season reduces the pressure and allows for a well-thought-out decision, without any hasty moves.
The reason for caution also lies in the fact that some players are not yet in optimal condition. "Pajač didn't complete half of the pre-season, Marić came in unprepared because he didn't have a club, and a few players were injured. They're not yet in top shape for 90 minutes," explained the Lokomotiva boss, confident that the team's form will improve game by game.
In the very next round, Lokomotiva face a trip to Osijek, who in the same round thrashed Rudeš 6:1. Jelavić is well aware of the challenge ahead. "I watched their first game against Gorica; they look really good. A different Osijek than in recent seasons. They're tricky and dangerous," he said. Although he doesn't have a concrete plan for that match yet, he hopes his team, after a good rest, can come away with a positive result from what he called a "tough exam."
