Dinamo Zagreb coach targets revenge against Celtic
The Croatian champions are already out of the Europa League ahead of the final Group D fixture with many of their fans boycotting home matches in protest. Just over 3000 were at the Maksimir Stadium for their 3-0 domestic league win over Rijeka on Saturday.
But Mamic is adamant Dinamo do not lack incentive against Celtic. He believes his team were better than the Scottish champions at Celtic Park on matchday two, despite losing 1-0 to an early goal from Kris Commons.
CONNECT WITH THE SCOTSMAN
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad• Subscribe to our daily newsletter (requires registration) and get the latest news, sport and business headlines delivered to your inbox every morning
“I do not agree that there is no imperative for us to win this game,” said Mamic. “We can’t qualify now but all other motives are still there. We should be prepared to die to win. I will play my strongest possible team. We will look at the game and play to win.
“We want to play as we did in Scotland where we looked very good against Celtic. When I look at the European season behind us, the main regrets are that match against Celtic and also losing to Aalborg in the play-off round of the Champions League.
“We played well, dominated, but we did not manage to win. When you play bad and lose, you’re not so sorry because you did not deserve to win. In those games, we deserved to celebrate.
“It doesn’t matter if Celtic make changes to their team for this match. Players who are members of Celtic certainly do not suck. Whoever comes in, it will not be easy for us.
“We want to win this last European game. It improves our image and it carries prestige. It would also give us points for coefficient and money.”
SCOTSMAN TABLET AND IPHONE APPS