Dynamo's expert on Europe: 'As soon as we forget the Viking, Dynamo can play with anyone'

Dinamo's European expert, Nenad Bjelica, has commented on the club’s prospects in the Europa League, stating that “the sooner we forget about Viking, the better Dinamo can perform with everyone.” According to Bjelica, the current squad is well-suited for continuing in the competition, despite the recent defeat against Viking. He noted that while Bayer Leverkusen remains the strongest opponent, Dinamo has favorable matchups against teams such as Rennes, Sturm Graz, NEC, Hapoel Ber Sheva, and Anderlecht, where they could secure three points. Bjelica emphasized that the team should focus on moving forward quickly after the loss, preparing for upcoming matches in the Croatian Football League (HNL), where they are favorites to win the title. The psychological aspect of the situation is crucial, as Dinamo must recover swiftly from the disappointment of losing to Viking. Bjelica pointed out that the value of players increases through European competitions, and clubs like Barcelona have shown interest in players who demonstrate performance in these matches. He stressed that the success of Dinamo in Europe directly impacts the marketability of its players, noting that top-tier leagues often look beyond domestic leagues for talent. Bjelica suggested that Dinamo should aim for a strong showing in the Europa League, potentially leading to player sales worth between €10 million and €15 million, which would significantly benefit the club financially. In terms of branding, Bjelica highlighted the importance of promoting the overall product of the Croatian league. He mentioned that Dinamo has played a major role in this effort over the past few years, alongside Rijeka and recently Hajduk. However, he expressed concern over the trend of top players in the league not being sold, suggesting that European clubs prioritize players who have demonstrated their ability in European matches. Bjelica argued that it is unrealistic to expect players from the Croatian league to command prices above €10–15 million unless they show consistent performance in European competitions. Looking back at Dinamo’s season, the club has had a mixed performance. After a poor start last year, marked by several unexpected losses, Dinamo has since gone on a winning streak in the HNL, securing 22 victories and four draws. This has helped them maintain a strong position in the league. However, recent results in European competitions, including the draw against Viking and the loss in Stavanger, have raised concerns among fans. Despite this, Dinamo has managed to avoid further setbacks in the HNL, maintaining a positive record. Under the leadership of coach Marija Kovačević, Dinamo has achieved notable success, with a win rate comparable to previous coaches. With over 60 games under his belt, Kovačević has maintained a solid performance level, contributing to the club’s achievements. His tenure has been characterized by stability and consistency, even amid challenges such as the loss in Pulj. The club’s decision not to replace him during a critical moment proved beneficial, as it led to a series of successful performances both domestically and internationally. As the season progresses, Dinamo faces the challenge of balancing domestic ambitions with European aspirations. The club’s ability to navigate these dual goals will determine its future trajectory. With a strong foundation in the HNL and potential opportunities in the Europa League, Dinamo remains positioned to achieve more, provided it continues to adapt and evolve effectively.