Lončarević Pulls No Punches on Vidović
Experienced Croatian coach Ilija Lončarević believes that the player leaving Dinamo, despite his talent, never had the characteristics of a player around whom the club should build its team.
Experienced Croatian coach Ilija Lončarević believes that the player leaving Dinamo, despite his talent, never had the characteristics of a player around whom the club should build its team.
Experienced Croatian coach Ilija Lončarević has sharply commented on Vidović's departure from Dinamo, stating that the player, despite undeniable talent, never had the characteristics to be the backbone of the Maksimir side. His remarks were reported by Tportal and come ahead of an important European match against Viking.
Lončarević told SN that he was surprised when Vidović was once touted as one of the players on whom Dinamo should rely in the future.
"When, a little over a year ago, it was announced that Vidović would be one of the three or four players who would be the pillars, I almost fell over. Without underestimating his talent and humanity, he is not a player who can bring Dinamo and our league anything more than his talent," said Lončarević.
Lončarević believes that Vidović lacks the key characteristics for a midfield role, and moving him to the wing does not solve the problem because, in his opinion, he lacks pace.
"Vidović doesn't have the proper behavior of a midfielder; he lacks agility and presence on the pitch. He can go ten minutes without touching the ball. In the penalty area, he can decide matches with dribbling and shooting, but he cannot be the team's anchor," he explained.
In the HNL, there is generally a lack of fast wingers, he added, so agile players who constantly offer themselves are needed. "At Dinamo, that's Stojković, and now Kačavenda," Lončarević concluded.
While debates rage over the squad, Dinamo is preparing for the match against Viking FK, which takes place on Tuesday, August 18, at 9 PM at Maksimir. The club has called on fans via its official Twitter profile to fill the stadium.
"Tomorrow, all as one, from the pitch to the stands! A memorable Maksimir evening awaits us, and tickets are only left for the North Upper stand," the club announced. Ticket prices for that stand are €12 for members and €17 for other fans.
In addition to the fight for a place in the Champions League group stage, the club announced that part of the match revenue will be donated to help those affected by the fires in the hardest-hit areas of Croatia.
Before the match, the North Lower, West Lower, and West Upper stands are already sold out. Only the North Upper stand remains on sale.
A special moment before the match was marked by a congratulatory message from Dinamo legend Zvonimir Boban on the 40th anniversary of the Bad Blue Boys fan group.
"To you, without whom nothing is the same - for 40 years, it hasn't been the same! To you, who have never stopped loving and living in blue - not for a second of your life, not for a second of any match. Happy Birthday, Purgeri! Happy Birthday, BBB group! Dinamo Zagreb above all, Dinamo Zagreb above everyone!" Boban said.
