Dinamo Zagreb have already surprised the football world, which is the very reason for their confidence. “We'll try to achieve a miracle, just as in the match against Arsenal,” coach Zoran Mamic announced in the build-up to the second Champions League Group F match in Munich. “My players have no fear. After all Bayern are only human.” Skipper Domagoj Antolic added: “They have their weaknesses too. Not many, but a few.”
A record of 45 fixtures in a row without defeat makes the Croatians believe they are not without a chance in Munich and that a stunning upset is possible. Nevertheless the respect for Pep Guardiola and his team is immense. Mamic spoke of the “biggest match” in his young career as a coach so far, captain Antolic said that it is a “big honour to play at the Allianz Arena. Bayern are favourites to win the Champions League.”
'300 percent focused'
Coach Mamic has to replace two crucial defenders due to injuries, right-back Ivo Pinto and centre-back Leonardi Sigali, who were in the starting line-up against Arsenal. “They are among our best players,” declared Mamic at the pre-match press conference at the Allianz Arena, “we have to give everything and be 300 percent focused and alert. The scoreboard will tell us whether it was enough.”
Despite the missing defenders Dinamo will probably opt for defensive tactics, just as in the first game against Arsenal. “We don't intend to park the bus in front of our goal, but perhaps Bayern will force us to do it,” Mamic announced. Forward Marko Pjaca would consider it a success “not to lose” the game. “It's probably the hardest away match you can have in Europe.”
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