Jerk Leko appointed interim Dinamo coach for Sunderland and Varaždin matches

Jerk Leko is set to arrive at Maksimir on Monday morning to hold discussions with club officials and staff. He will likely meet with Mario Kovačević, who is expected to bid farewell to the players and the club. Following these meetings, Leko will lead his first training session with the first team as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Sunderland on Thursday evening.

The appointment is described as a temporary solution covering only two matches this week: the game against Sunderland and the subsequent match against Varaždin. Catalan coach Oscar Garcia is reportedly waiting in the wings to take over the head coaching role during the upcoming international break. The club's current plan does not involve Leko remaining in charge beyond these two games, regardless of the outcomes.

After the match against Varaždin, Leko is expected to return to his previous position with the B team, which has been managed by Renato Pilipović in his absence. The short-term nature of the role means that radical tactical changes are unlikely before the Thursday match. Instead, the focus is on providing a positive shock to the squad and restoring energy and optimism within the dressing room.

The change in leadership follows a period of decline for the team, highlighted by a 1-0 defeat to Rudeš. Mario Kovačević admitted after that loss that the squad lacked the chemistry and unity seen in the previous season. Players had reportedly lost confidence in Kovačević due to his rotational choices and tactical demands, leading to a breakdown in team cohesion.

Dinamo will travel to England as underdogs for the match against Sunderland. The expectation is that the team will demonstrate a shift in attitude and begin to find a way out of their current crisis. While Leko can provide immediate motivation, the players are also urged to take responsibility and perform at a higher level to support the interim coach's efforts.