It's difficult to comment like this, while emotions are still running high. I can only congratulate Rudeš, said Dinamo head coach Mario Kovačević after the match in Velika Gorica, where Rudeš defeated the Maksimir side 1-0.

– It was hard to prepare for this match. We started well, but that's football. We have to lift our heads and be better in the next match. I agree that there is no sense in us looking like this on the pitch. After the first ten minutes or so, when we looked good, Rudeš began to play. But it's all down to us; we allowed them to have the ball. I understand the fans, I know they are angry, especially with me. I completely understand them. This must not happen.

Next up is an away match against Sunderland in the UEFA Europa League.

– Football has shown once again what it is like. We must not lose heart. We don't have much time, and sometimes it's better when you're not the favourite, which is what we will be in England.

On the opposing side, Marko Zebić, a Dinamo player on loan at Rudeš, played very well at centre-back.

– We all know he is a quality player, and I never doubted him. Our centre-backs? They have looked good so far, especially last season.

Is this the toughest defeat during your time at Dinamo?

– Yes. By far the toughest defeat since I've been here.

Asked whether he will punish Iker Almena for his red card, Coach Kovačević stressed:

– There will be punishments. We have set sanctions, and everyone knows how one must behave at Dinamo, even when times are toughest. In the year and a bit that I've been here, there was more unity. You're right, I see that too. Sometimes it comes to the point where someone has to be punished, but I'm most angry at myself.

Our fans also reacted sharply towards the coach.

– After this match, I completely understand the fans and I accept the blame. We all know what Dinamo is. I respect the fans and I understand everything. This must not happen. Fans have come before, too, and raised questions about the coach. That's not a problem. If it's up to me, I'm the happiest man in the world. I see that the players want to play, that they have the desire. If I had sensed even one percent of holding back from them, I would have said so. But sometimes, unfortunately, it comes to a point where something has to change.