Article by Romeo Ene – Published Friday, January 23, 2026, 08:06 / Updated Friday, January 23, 2026 08:06
FCSB did not resist in Zagreb and was defeated by Dinamo, score 1-4in stage 7 of the main Europa League group. At the press conference, coach Mario Kovacevic (50 years old) analyzed the game and explained that it was only a question of the score in the end.
Kovacevic he was annoyed by the reaction his players had after conceding the goal, and from the red-blue camp he noticed Daniel Bîrligea (25 years old), the author of the success of FCSB.
Mario Kovacevic, coach of Dinamo Zagreb, after the victory with FCSB: “They were weaker defensively”
In the end, Kovacevic explained that FCSB were not an easy opponent, but his team made them commit several unforgivable mistakes.
He explained that Dinamo Zagreb will go for victory in Denmark, at the last stage with Midtjylland, even if even a draw ensures their qualification in the play-offs.
“There were mistakes by the opponent, but we forced them to make them. We saw that they also have quality, in attack they are dangerous and they created a little nervousness for us with the goal scored. Defensively, they did not react well to our goals. We were better and more valuable, in the end it was only the problem of the score difference.
Their number 9 (no – Daniel Bîrligea) he worked hard and created spaces. We played well the first 30 minutes. They were weaker defensively. In the end we proved our quality. FCSB was not an easy opponent.
We wanted to go into this moment of the season with a game like that. We had some very good actions. We think we can continue like this
(no – There was a slump after the conceded goal, how can it be avoided?) We are working on it. We don't want such moments. In those ten minutes they didn't cause us big problems, but we had to react better. That annoyed me. At the beginning of the second half we were firmer and more responsible. We have to capitalize on every offensive situation.
We will not defend ourselves in Denmark. We didn't defend against stronger teams either. We want to play. I think we will get better after every game. This victory gives us a lot of confidence,” said Mario Kovacevic, coach of Dinamo Zagreb, in the conference, quoted by index.hr.
Dinamo Zagreb will travel on Thursday, January 29, to Midtjylland's field, in the last round of the Europa League. The team coached by Mario Kovacevic must not lose to be sure of qualifying for the next phase.
Ranking in the main Europa League group
