Mario Kovačević (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Dinamo beat Gorica to go top, but criticism of Mario Kovačević continues. The coming derby with Hajduk could shape Dinamo’s future — and Matjaž Kek’s next step.
Dinamo Zagreb returned to the top of the Croatian league with a 2–0 victory away to Gorica, yet even the result failed to cool the rising tension around head coach Mario Kovačević.
The champions played their league match later than scheduled due to European commitments, and the slip from Hajduk Split opened a clear opportunity. Dinamo took it — with goals from Mounsef Bakrar and Marko Soldo — but the performance again left supporters and media unconvinced.
Bakrar’s opener came after good work from Miha Zajc, who delivered an assist just over half an hour into the match. The turning point came in the second half, when Luka Stojković received two yellow cards in the space of 14 minutes, forcing Dinamo to play the last 20 minutes a man down. Despite the win, Dinamo struggled to impose control and spent long spells defending deep.
The Croatian media were quick to underline those issues, continuing the sharp criticism that has been present for weeks. Kovačević’s tense relationship with journalists has only intensified. Last week he skipped the mandatory post-match conference, and after the win in Velika Gorica he again responded sharply to questions about his constant rotation.
“Anyone who understands football even a little… I don’t want to argue, but from last season’s core players only Mišić is still with us. If there were five or six… well, apparently some people know more than me,” he said.
He insisted the squad atmosphere remains strong and asked for patience. “New arrivals need time. Some need half a year. We are working quietly and I believe the results will reward us.”
A decisive derby — and Matjaž Kek waiting in the background
The victory arrived just days after Matjaž Kek officially ended his tenure with the Slovenian national team, a development that immediately triggered reaction across Croatia. Many outlets highlighted Kek as the “dream candidate” of Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban, who is reportedly dissatisfied with the team’s form in recent months.
The situation places even more weight on Sunday’s eternal derby at Maksimir. A Dinamo win would extend their lead over Hajduk to four points. A defeat, however, could mark the end of Kovačević’s increasingly fragile mandate.
And in that scenario, the door for Kek — who was once very close to taking over the club years ago — could swing wide open. With no national-team obligations until March 2026, Kek suddenly appears more available than ever, and Dinamo’s board is watching closely.
The derby may prove decisive not only for the league table, but for Dinamo’s entire project.