Two new players on the bench for the Blues.

Dinamo will face Varaždin in the fourth round of the SuperSport HNL on Saturday at 21:00 local time. The match is set to take place at Maksimir Stadium, with the club's attention divided between domestic and European commitments. Just four days after the clash against Varaždin, Dinamo will travel to Norway to play Viking in the Europa Conference League. This dual challenge has placed pressure on coach Mario Kovačević, who must balance preparation for both matches while managing player fitness and squad depth. Kovačević addressed the media ahead of the game, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match against Varaždin. He noted that the team had already faced three opponents in the league and that Varaždin had performed strongly, securing three wins in their opening three games. “We won’t talk about European matches right now,” he stated. “We have Varaždin coming to Maksimir, and they’ve been impressive so far. They haven’t changed much, but they’re playing better. We know how good they are, they showed it in the first three rounds. And they're even more effective now, especially with Canjug, who adds creativity to their midfield.” The coach acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly due to the tight schedule and potential injuries. “We have some players on the sidelines, Topić, Stojković, and Zajc, but we’ll see how they recover. Others are fine, just a little tired.” Kovačević also discussed the new signings, noting that they were training with the team and would likely be integrated gradually. “Kravtsov started training on Wednesday, Nsoki earlier, so they’ll get opportunities step by step. As for Dani Rodrigues, he’s still recovering from a tendon injury and will start working individually. We’ll begin integrating him into the squad soon, but it’ll take time.” When asked whether the lineup would change, Kovačević confirmed that adjustments would be necessary. “We’ve shown in our first two HNL matches that we have a wide squad and respond well to different situations. I believe that will continue. We need to refresh some players, others have quality and wait for their chance.” He also spoke about the atmosphere at Maksimir, acknowledging its intensity but expressing confidence in his team’s ability to handle it. “We’re the hosts here, and we’ll give everything to win.” Kovačević briefly touched on the goalkeeper situation, stating that he had no information regarding any changes. “That’s a question for the sporting director, not me. We’ll see whether Filipović returns to the bench or if Nevistić stays. We have three goalkeepers, and I trust them all.” Meanwhile, Viking, the Norwegian champions, have sent a clear message to Dinamo. Their captain, Aril Ostbo, emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, recalling past encounters with the Croatian side. “It was very difficult to play at their stadium, and I remember the atmosphere and pressure from the fans. But there’s also pressure at home. We’ll do everything possible to make it harder for them. It’ll be two matches, and we want to stay in the competition. We’re facing a strong opponent, and we’ve prepared accordingly.” Ostbo highlighted the significance of the return match in Stavanger, noting that Viking’s advantage lies in hosting the second leg. “We know the qualification won’t depend solely on the first match. We want to ensure we remain in the race, and we have a solid team ready for the challenge.” Zlatko Tripić, Viking’s captain and top scorer, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome Dinamo. “We’ll do everything to become the Norwegian team that eliminates Dinamo, something many other Norwegian sides have tried but failed. You have to believe in yourself because if you don’t, it’s going to be extremely hard. It’s a football match, and it comes down to who is best on the day. What happened before doesn’t matter anymore.” Tripić dismissed historical comparisons, focusing instead on the present. “We’re confident in our squad and believe we can achieve what others couldn’t. We have the belief, and that’s crucial.” He added that Viking’s home advantage and the atmosphere in Stavanger could create the kind of pressure Dinamo experienced in Zagreb. As Dinamo prepares for the clash with Varaždin, Kovačević is also considering tactical changes, particularly in defense. Reports suggest that the starting backline might be significantly altered, with players like Paul Tabinas, Niko Galešić, Stjepan Radeljić, and Bruno Goda potentially taking central roles. These substitutions aim to provide fresh energy and test different combinations ahead of the European tie. With several key players sidelined, Kovačević faces the challenge of balancing experience with youth and ensuring his team is ready for both matches.