Dinamo Zagreb’s captain Josip Mišić has confirmed that club president Zvonimir Boban entered the dressing room after the team’s 3-2 win over Swiss side Thun in the Europa League third qualifying round. The match took place on Tuesday, with Dinamo advancing to face Lithuanian champions Kaunas Žalgiris in the next stage. Despite the victory, Mišić revealed that Boban used the opportunity to deliver a clear message to the players, emphasizing the need for improvement and greater effort. Mišić described Boban’s visit as a constructive moment, noting that the president did not use harsh language but instead focused on reinforcing the importance of collective performance. “He came to make it clear that the performance wasn’t good enough and that everyone must be aware of that,” Mišić explained. He added that Boban’s presence in the dressing room was meaningful, both due to his role as club leader and because of his personal influence on the squad. “His appearance had a strong impact on the team, and he sends clear messages,” Mišić said. The visit followed a game where Dinamo struggled with pace and cohesion, particularly compared to previous seasons. Mišić acknowledged that the team has been slower to start each season, though he praised the overall progress made so far. He also highlighted specific players who have stood out, including Mišić himself, whom he described as a key figure in the team's success. The captain emphasized that while Boban’s visits are not routine, they occur when the situation demands them, ensuring that leadership remains visible and impactful. In other developments, Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević made eight changes to his starting XI for the match against Slaven Belupo, which ended in a 2-0 win. The lineup included several young players such as Paul Tabinas, Niko Galešić, and Stjepan Radeljić, all of whom showed promise during the match. For the upcoming clash against Kaunas Žalgiris, Kovačević opted for a more balanced approach, selecting a familiar defensive unit featuring Ivan Filipović, Moris Valinčić, Sergi Dominguez, and Scott McKenna. In midfield, Josip Mišić remained a central figure, supported by Luka Stojković, who returned from suspension and played a crucial role in the victory. The team’s attacking options include Dion Drena Beljo, who scored two goals in three games this season, and Mislav Oršić, who impressed on the left wing. Meanwhile, Slovenian midfielder Miha Zajc, known for his consistency since joining the club, is considered a strong contender for a starting spot alongside Mišić. Other potential starters include Lukas Kačavenda and Gabriel Vidović, both of whom have shown versatility in recent matches. Supporting the team’s efforts, former Croatian star Igor Špehar praised Dinamo’s performance against Kaunas Žalgiris, calling it a “true masterpiece” and highlighting the team’s growing strength. Špehar specifically commended Mišić, describing him as the heart of the team and expressing hope that national coach Slaven Bilić would soon call him into the Croatia squad. “Mišić deserves to play for the national team, not just for what he’s doing now, but for his consistent performances over the years,” Špehar stated. He also noted that Luka Stojković, who returned from suspension, could become a valuable asset for the national team in the coming months.
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