The points won deep into stoppage time against Anderlecht, followed by five goals away in Koprivnica, have fuelled optimism and lifted the mood in the Maksimir squad ahead of new challenges. And the next one in this busy "schedule" is on Thursday at 18:45, when Dinamo will host Dutch side NEC Nijmegen in Matchday 3 of the Europa League.

– I think we are in good shape, a new challenge is ahead of us, we always go for the win, especially in front of our fans. It will be no different this time. We respect NEC and their coach; we can see that results haven't been going their way lately, but they play well. They stick to their own game, the coach doesn't change much, he wants to impose his style of play. We know it will be like that this time too. They are a quality side and good, even though they are not on a positive run of results – said Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević.

What is the situation in the squad, and what has the Maksimir head coach been most pleased with lately?

– The situation is good, we have no injury problems. A minor virus has hit us, but I believe everyone will be ready. We worked well during the break in the league schedule, and I said we would be better with every new match. That is what we are showing. The match against Anderlecht was open from both sides, and in Koprivnica I was pleased with our efficiency, but I am aware there is a lot we need to improve. We can be better. It's not easy – NEC has a problem with results, but not with their play.

What kind of match do you expect on Thursday – an open one like last week against Anderlecht, or perhaps a bit tighter?

– Having analysed the opponent, I can say I expect at least that kind of match, and perhaps an even more exciting one. They play openly, always going for one goal more. We have shown that we can compete with anyone, and things are slowly falling into place for us. I believe we will win in an open match.

Dinamo's wingers have been particularly sparkling lately, and the strong competition is clear to see, which of course gives the coach some "pleasant headaches" when picking the line-up.

– You put it well, they are "pleasant headaches", and I'm glad about that. As long as they are in form, the more of those the better. It's up to me to share out the minutes – whoever is better at that moment will play. Our wish is to get all of them back into form, including those who have played less.

What is NEC like compared to Anderlecht?

– It's hard to say which of them is better or worse. NEC play a 3-4-2-1 and stick to it religiously. They are persistent, they play open football, in defence they play man-to-man, and they get many players forward in the final third. An interesting match awaits us. They don't calculate much, and they have good, quality players in every position. I know it won't be easy, but more and more of our players are in form, and we want to be even better, show good play against such an opponent and win. They keep to their system for all 90 minutes, only the intensity increases. They play at a high intensity the whole time, and we have to be careful there – added coach Kovačević.

Maksimir defender Niko Galešić also faced the media. The Dutch reporters were interested in which NEC players Galešić had noticed in particular.

– First of all, there's Darko Nejašmić, who was at Osijek. And of course, Dušan Tadić, who has had a great career, also plays for NEC. We have analysed the whole team, as well as the players individually. We know they are good.

The last two wins have further raised optimism in the Maksimir squad.

– Definitely, calm has returned to the dressing room, and I think our confidence has grown. We hope to continue like this.

Galešić is primarily a centre-back, but at Dinamo he often also covers the right-back role, performing at a high level.

– Last year against Betis I played right-back for the first time, and it was a bit harder then. But now I already have 10 or 15 matches played in that position. I feel good in both roles, the important thing for me is to play.

Asked whether he thinks he deserves more minutes, he replied briefly:

– It's up to me to give my all, to be there for the team, and to give 100 percent every time I get an opportunity. If I compare it with the situation last season, I can say it's a hundred times better for me now.

Galešić said this summer that he was not satisfied with scoring only one goal last season. Since the summer, he has scored three...

– I think it's time for me to score in Europe too. I can be satisfied with my goals at the moment. My next aim is to catch up with Dion Drena Beljo, ha ha ha... I'm joking. I have to carry on like this, but the primary goal is for us to keep a clean sheet at the back, and everything else will follow – added Galešić.