Jurčević on Dinamo's Goalkeeping Problem
The former Modri coach addressed the challenges in goal following Filipović's red card and previewed a demanding playoff against Norwegian champions Viking.
The former Modri coach addressed the challenges in goal following Filipović's red card and previewed a demanding playoff against Norwegian champions Viking.
Former Dinamo coach Nikola Jurčević analyzed the current state of the team ahead of the most important match of the season. Dinamo secured a playoff spot for the Champions League with two wins, and the final obstacle on the road to the group stage is Norwegian champions Viking from Stavanger. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, at 9 PM at Maksimir Stadium.
Jurčević first commented for Net.hr on the recent victory that secured progression. "The most important thing is that this match also ended in a Dinamo win, both for the victory itself and for Croatia's coefficient," he said. He also reflected on the details of the game, highlighting dominance until the key moment. "Dinamo had control of the game, dominance, and left the opponent without any real chance except for one long-range shot. However, that red card changed the course of the match. Dinamo lost control and composure in possession. Instead of a routine win in Zagreb style, it ended up being not so convincing, but all in all, what matters most is that Dinamo advances with two wins," he added.
The sending off of goalkeeper Ivan Filipović further highlighted the problem that has plagued Dinamo since Dominik Livaković's departure. Jurčević believes the pressure on his successors is not small. "We shouldn't blame them too much. It's not easy when the bar is set at the level of a Dominik Livaković, who showed both at Dinamo and at the World Cup that he is a goalkeeper of the highest caliber," he said.
He specifically addressed the performance of Ivan Nevistić, who himself was not at the required level. "We need to be realistic and say that Ivan Nevistić didn't cover himself in glory with his reaction to Kauno Žalgiris's goal," Jurčević noted. Nevertheless, he expressed hope for a better showing in the upcoming clash. "We hope that the goalkeeper who plays against Viking, presumably Nevistić, will rise to the occasion," he added.
Jurčević particularly praised the play of Perez Vinlöf, whose energy broke down the opponent's defense. "In the first half, Perez Vinlöf won five or six fouls and several yellow cards. He showed dynamism, especially in the attacking part of the game," he highlighted. He was also satisfied with the control of midfield provided by Stojković, Mišić, and Kačavenda, although the red card changed everything.
As for the Norwegian champions, Jurčević does not expect an easy task. "They are a compact, solid, and aggressive team. Dinamo will have to raise their level of play and respond to a team that certainly has very good transition and counterattacks," he warned. Still, he believes the tense finish of the last match is good preparation. "Maybe it's better that it ended so tightly, that there wasn't another high-scoring win that would lead to unnecessary euphoria. When concentration drops a bit and the opponent raises their aggression, Dinamo finds it harder to play, and that's good preparation for the Norwegians," he concluded.
GNK Dinamo announced ticket sales details for this match on social media. The pre-sale for club members begins on Wednesday, August 12, at 11 AM and lasts until Thursday, August 13, at 11:59 PM. General sale starts on Friday, August 14, at 11 AM. Ticket prices for West Lower are 23 euros for members and 28 euros for other fans. For West Upper, prices are 18 euros for members and 23 euros for others. North Lower is available exclusively to members at a price of 12 euros.
