At the first official press conference this season, Hajduk coach Valdas Dambrauskas and striker Nikola Kalinić gave their views on the upcoming match and answered numerous questions.
The Hajduk coach first reflected on the recent preparations in which four games were played against strong rivals:
“We are satisfied with our preparations; we have fulfilled the set goals and played matches against solid rivals. Therefore, in the pre-season, I don’t worry about results, we are focused on progress, and I am sure the team will be at the right level soon. We also brought in a new player during the preparations; he played in a strong league, he plays in the style we want to play, and he is fast and will get in shape in a few games.
The season is just starting, the game will undoubtedly be challenging for both teams, and I think derbies are rarely attractive. Both teams will try to limit each other, and I think a moment of individual quality will decide the game. We have prepared well for this match, and we want to prove to everyone that we are ready,” said the coach of Hajduk.
Asked about the expectations for the next season and the importance of support from the stands, striker Nikola Kalinić said:
“We play for the biggest Croatian club, and we have to fight for every trophy. Last year we won the Cup and were second; we are expected to be in a higher position this season. There are many games ahead of us; others have the same goals, and we can only promise the fans that we will do our best. Our fans are the best in the country and show it at every game. There will certainly be a lot of them in Zagreb, and I hope that we will repay them on the field, and in the end, we will all celebrate together,” concluded Kalinić.
Dinamo Zagreb is also ready and presented their new jersey before the Superkup against Hajduk. Arijan Ademi, Josip Drmić, Luka Ivanušec, and Dario Špikić appeared in front of the press on Friday.
“We went through a lot of difficult preparations, worked hard, and are satisfied with how it all ended. We hope to be successful in the new season,” said captain Ademi and revealed the expectations for the new season.
“It’s just the beginning of the season, and it’s hard to predict how the championship will end. Anyway, we’ll do our best not to make it so dramatic. I hope we will be good and win the championship.”
Ademi spoke about Dinamo’s new additions – forward Josip Drmić and midfielder Robert Ljubičić.
“Both are excellent. We already saw last season what kind of player Drmić is, a real ‘killer.’ Ljubičić already showed us that he is a great player. They will be reinforcements for sure”, concluded Ademi.
Drmić had a very good last season in Rijeka. He was the club’s top scorer, but the expectations are even higher at Dinamo.
“It’s hard to say what awaits us against Hajduk; I hope it will be a good match. The derby is already at the start; it will show where we are and what form we are. I’m looking forward to the match; we’ll be ready,” said Drmić.
“I’m not thinking about the goal; the most important thing is that we win and present ourselves well in the new shirt. If I manage to score, it will be great.”
Bruno Petković will be his biggest competitor for that position.
“Bruno is a top player and top quality. He is one of the best players on our team. I think we can present ourselves well as a tandem. We complement each other well, each has his qualities, and we can make a good mix. The coach will decide whether we will play together, but we will certainly do our best.”
Drmić is aware of the pressure at Dinamo and the high expectations.
“I always say that I work best under pressure. So it is important that teammates help, and then we will handle it well in the future and be successful if we work together,” concluded Drmić.
After several months of problems with his abdominal wall, Luka Ivanušec is fully ready for the new season. He commented on the speculation that he could leave Dinamo in the summer transfer window.
“At the moment, I am focused only on Dinamo, and there are always stories and interests. I’m preparing for the season as if I’m staying at Dinamo, and then we’ll see what happens.”
Dario Špikić said that Dinamo had prepared well for the new season.
“We are ready for Hajduk; I believe in victory,” said Špikić.
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