Two training sessions, a journey and a demanding European test away from home... That has been Dinamo's “schedule” since B team coach Jerko Leko took charge of the first team. On Monday he led the players out for their first training session, and already on Thursday at 9 pm the Matchday 4 UEFA Europa League fixture awaits them, away to Premier League side Sunderland.

– When did I find out I was taking over the first team? On Sunday, when we played away at Croatia in Zmijavci with the B team. Back when I came to Dinamo at the invitation of Mr Zvonimir Boban, I said that I had my own path and that I was in no rush. I said I would take on any role at Dinamo because this club means a lot to me. I somehow feel “indebted” too, given everything Dinamo has given me. I'm building my career step by step; this is my tenth season as a coach, and the ninth as a head coach in my own right. Experience has accumulated. I'm ready for any challenge, whether with the B team or the first team – said coach Leko.

On Monday he held his first training session with the first-team squad.

– It's a short amount of time, we've talked a little, and the match is coming quickly. We worked on a few tactical things that we would like to “catch”. After all, these are all professionals who don't need to be told much when it comes to certain details. Still, if we go too broad, we could lose sight of what's most important. We focused on a few small things that could help us in this match, and we based these two training sessions on that. Of course, we also spoke with several individuals about what we expect in this cycle. They have to work on themselves; desire and motivation must not be lacking, because otherwise wearing the Dinamo shirt makes no sense.

The first item is the return of the desired energy.

– Energy is vital for us, and with it the tactical side will follow too, provided they are concentrated and careful about the things we've pointed out.

Sunderland are, of course, demanding opponents.

– In the Europa League they have seven points and we have four. That says enough about who should be the favourites. That's how it is on paper, but on the pitch it's 11 against 11. Sunderland have quick players, good transitions and aerial ability; those are the things we have to watch out for. I didn't spend too much time on them, but rather on correcting our own details. Whichever formation Sunderland use, their players change positions a lot, there's a lot of depth, long balls and crosses... I've shown our lads what we must be ready for, and it's up to them to show they are willing to work on it. They have to be concentrated throughout the whole match. Energy and discipline must return; that's what we worked on and talked about over these two days. I believe we will show that on Thursday. If we play the way we should, I believe we will be able to get a positive result.

How different will Dinamo look tactically?

– We will try to use the elements that I think could work well against Sunderland. There is space there, so we will field the players who could make better use of it. I won't go into details. I think the tactics should be fine. It's not rocket science, but the lads have to pay more attention to certain details. What matters is that those on the pitch and those on the bench breathe as one, and then we are ready for a good result – concluded coach Leko.

Dinamo captain Josip Mišić also faced the media, and right at the start, on behalf of the team, he welcomed coach Leko.

– We welcome him and hope that together we can achieve the best possible results. A new coach always brings a positive “vibe”. We have had a spell of somewhat poorer results, but I think the atmosphere in the dressing room is good. I believe it will be even better now and that from Thursday we will start showing some better things.

Sunderland have won seven points in the first three rounds of the league phase.

– They may be in a slightly worse situation in the league this year, but last season they had good results and played good football. After all, that's why they are in the Europa League. But we haven't come here as mere passers-by either. I believe we will show that we haven't forgotten how to play and that we will get the best possible result. I believe we can do that. They are going through a tougher moment too, so why shouldn't we be able to take advantage of that – added captain Mišić.