Šafarić blames naive goals and penalty for Varaždin defeat to Dinamo

NK Varaždin coach Nikola Šafarić stated that his team lost to GNK Dinamo Zagreb because they conceded two naive goals. He identified a penalty and a red card as the decisive moments that determined the outcome of the match. Šafarić explained that the first goal resulted from a parabolic ball played by a Varaždin player, while the second came from the penalty. Despite the result, he felt the team competed well while numerically equal and created chances, though he lamented gifting goals to the opposition rather than conceding from open play.

Regarding offensive opportunities, Šafarić noted that Canjuga had a chance to score but lacked the necessary concentration. He also observed that Tavares and Latković performed well individually but failed to receive quality service during the match. The coach acknowledged that Varaždin currently plays without a classic striker following the departure of Mamut. He indicated that the squad must manage until the winter break, at which point they will assess whether signing a quality forward is possible.

Šafarić stated that Varaždin did not face significant tactical problems until the game broke down into one-on-one duels. He attributed these specific difficulties to Dinamo possessing individual players capable of creating decisive advantages in isolation. Beyond the match analysis, Šafarić expressed personal satisfaction that a Croatian coach had taken charge of Dinamo. He described this appointment as a positive development for both the club and Croatian football generally, wishing the new manager success in his career.