Valinčić: 'There's Nothing for Me to Add', Dinamo's Full-Back Unfazed Amid Transfer Speculation
Young defender and coach Kovačević ahead of the clash with Kauno Žalgiris: victory is the only goal, but step by step.
Young defender and coach Kovačević ahead of the clash with Kauno Žalgiris: victory is the only goal, but step by step.
At Maksimir on August 3, 2026, a press conference was held ahead of the first leg of the third qualifying round for the Champions League. Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević and right-back Moris Valinčić spoke, addressing expectations for the clash with Lithuania's Kauno Žalgiris, as well as the numerous transfer rumors that have surrounded Valinčić in recent days.
The match at Maksimir is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8 PM. Kovačević is aware that his team enters as the favorite, but he stresses that this alone guarantees nothing. "We are favorites on paper, but we need to prove it on the pitch," he said for HRT Sport, adding that nothing should be taken for granted.
Valinčić explained what the team wants: "We want to start the match well, build through it, and win. Any victory is welcome, with a clean sheet, but above all, we want to start the match well."
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported on July 30, 2026, that Marseille is seriously tracking Valinčić, while Inter and Napoli have been interested for months. However, the young full-back did not want to delve into details about his future.
"Every time I gave my maximum, sometimes it was better, sometimes worse. I always expect the best from myself and much more, if I want to develop. As for transfers, there's nothing for me to add; I'm completely focused on tomorrow's match," Valinčić said.
The return leg in Lithuania is scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 7 PM. Valinčić emphasized that the team is not thinking ahead to the play-off, but only about the next obstacle.
"Before the play-off, we have three matches. We must win first at Maksimir, then in Lithuania, then win in the league. That's still far away, we shouldn't rush; we need to analyze the opponent well and prepare our minds, but the most important thing is to win the upcoming match," Valinčić concluded before joining his teammates for training.
