Pivotal match
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
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Dinamo Zagreb manager Nenad Bjelica answered reporters' questions before the home game vs Shakhtar
- We are facing a big, pivotal, decisive match. I am pleased to admit that there are more reporters today than at the Croatian league game. Also, more fans will support us. We are pleased with the results we achieved earlier, being even better prepared after the matches against Atalanta and Shakhtar in Kharkiv. The footballers are in good shape both mentally and physically, they are fresh, highly motivated and at the same time composed, because they enjoy the game. Tomorrow, it will be just like that.
- Who are the favourites in this game?
- It’s not clear at the moment. There’s a fifty-fifty chance. The opponents are great and very experienced, but we also have a great desire, the will to win, which we will try to prove tomorrow. Two strong teams are about to lock horns. We will do our best to use our strengths and achieve victory.
- Don’t you think that Shakhtar might underestimate Dynamo?
- I wouldn’t say that. I look forward to seeing some aggressive Dinamo, the same as they were in Kharkiv. I want to see the corresponding actions both offensively and defensively. We’ll show you everything tomorrow.
- After the match in Kharkiv, you have enough information about the capabilities of Shakhtar. What would you like to change based on the first-leg experience?
- I expect even greater concentration – for every of 90 minutes. Shakhtar are a wonderful, really serious team achieving good results. The opponents have strong performers who can change the course of the match by their actions. This requires complete dedication - from the first to the last minute. Last time, in two or three situations, we lacked that.
- How do you feel about the fact that Shakhtar won’t have Konoplyanka and Solomon? And what are your losses?
- We have enough highly qualified players who can replace those missing. Shakhtar have the same situation.
- Both clubs have a chance of advancing to the Champions League knockout stages. Of course, any coach will say that at home his team will play only to win, and yet even a draw would be enough for you this time. If tomorrow, there is an even score by the 80th minute, will Dinamo be attacking and striving to win this match?
- Only victory will suit us. We will take the field for that.
- Who are the favourites in this game?
- It’s not clear at the moment. There’s a fifty-fifty chance. The opponents are great and very experienced, but we also have a great desire, the will to win, which we will try to prove tomorrow. Two strong teams are about to lock horns. We will do our best to use our strengths and achieve victory.
- Don’t you think that Shakhtar might underestimate Dynamo?
- I wouldn’t say that. I look forward to seeing some aggressive Dinamo, the same as they were in Kharkiv. I want to see the corresponding actions both offensively and defensively. We’ll show you everything tomorrow.
- After the match in Kharkiv, you have enough information about the capabilities of Shakhtar. What would you like to change based on the first-leg experience?
- I expect even greater concentration – for every of 90 minutes. Shakhtar are a wonderful, really serious team achieving good results. The opponents have strong performers who can change the course of the match by their actions. This requires complete dedication - from the first to the last minute. Last time, in two or three situations, we lacked that.
- How do you feel about the fact that Shakhtar won’t have Konoplyanka and Solomon? And what are your losses?
- We have enough highly qualified players who can replace those missing. Shakhtar have the same situation.
- Both clubs have a chance of advancing to the Champions League knockout stages. Of course, any coach will say that at home his team will play only to win, and yet even a draw would be enough for you this time. If tomorrow, there is an even score by the 80th minute, will Dinamo be attacking and striving to win this match?
- Only victory will suit us. We will take the field for that.