According to Večernji list, president Zvonimir Boban is seeking a solution that would allow Dinamo to make an immediate change while continuing their search for a permanent replacement. Although Kovačević delivered the domestic league and cup double during his first season, concerns over inconsistent performances, defensive weaknesses and the development of individual players have reportedly weakened the club's confidence in his long-term leadership.
The uncertainty has generated considerable attention in Croatian football, with several potential successors being discussed. While Leko appears to be the most likely temporary appointment, Dinamo's wider options include coaches with international playing experience, previous managerial connections to the club and backgrounds in youth development.
Rudeš Defeat Accelerates Dinamo's Coaching Decision
Dinamo's surprise defeat against Rudeš represented another setback during a difficult period for the Zagreb club. Although Kovačević's team have shown attacking quality in individual matches, they have struggled to maintain consistency against domestic and European opposition.
The 4–2 Europa League defeat against NEC Nijmegen had already raised serious concerns about the team's defensive organisation and tactical flexibility. Dinamo surrendered a 2–1 lead in that encounter, with the Dutch visitors exploiting weaknesses in transition and punishing mistakes that had appeared in several previous performances.
Croatian media subsequently reported that Boban had begun considering a managerial change before the defeat to Rudeš. The latest result therefore appears to have reinforced an existing assessment rather than triggered an entirely new decision.
Kovačević's position remains complicated by his previous achievements. Since arriving at Dinamo, he has overseen a successful domestic campaign and secured European qualification. However, the club's leadership reportedly believe that a different approach may be required to achieve greater stability and continued development.
As of the reports reviewed, Dinamo had not officially confirmed the termination of his contract, making the situation dependent on further negotiations and a formal club announcement.
Six Candidates Enter the Discussion
The search for Kovačević's potential successor has produced several intriguing names. Croatian newspaper Večernji list highlighted six candidates in a reader poll, illustrating the different directions Dinamo could consider when selecting their next head coach.
Jerko Leko remains the strongest reported option for an immediate appointment. The former Croatian international currently coaches Dinamo's reserve team and has previously worked with Jarun and Lokomotiva Zagreb. His familiarity with the organisation and its younger players could make him an attractive temporary solution while Boban evaluates longer-term alternatives.
Brazilian coach Juliano Belletti represents a more internationally recognisable candidate. The former Barcelona and Chelsea defender won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and scored the winning goal in Barcelona's 2006 Champions League final against Arsenal. He currently coaches Barcelona's reserve side and has been linked with Dinamo through reports suggesting the Croatian club are considering candidates familiar with the Catalan club's football philosophy.
Another name attracting attention is Krunoslav Jurčić, who has already coached Dinamo on three separate occasions. His familiarity with the demands of managing the Zagreb club could make him an option, although a fourth spell would depend on his willingness to return and the club's plans.
Robert Prosinečki, one of Croatia's most recognised former footballers, has also been mentioned. Having accumulated coaching experience at both club and international level, he would offer a different profile from candidates whose recent work has been concentrated on developing younger players.
Albert Capellas, Dinamo's football development director, is another name appearing in the discussion. His extensive background within Barcelona's development structure and influence on Dinamo's football philosophy could make him relevant to the decision-making process, although his potential appointment as head coach remains speculative.
The sixth candidate is Vedran Ćorluka, the former Croatian international defender who has developed coaching experience following his retirement. Although he lacks the extensive senior managerial background of some other names, his knowledge of Croatian football and reputation as a promising developing coach could make him an interesting long-term option.
The newspaper also allowed readers to nominate another candidate outside the six listed names. However, the poll should be understood as a measure of reader preferences rather than evidence that all six coaches are involved in formal negotiations with Dinamo.
Boban Faces an Important Decision
The range of candidates reflects the different directions Dinamo could take as they attempt to restore confidence and improve performances.
An appointment such as Leko would offer continuity and familiarity with the club's existing structure. A coach such as Belletti could bring experience from a major European football environment, while Jurčić or Prosinečki would provide a more established connection to Croatian football and senior coaching.
The club must also decide whether to appoint a permanent manager immediately or use an interim solution until the winter break. The latter approach could provide more time to assess candidates, negotiate contractual terms and establish a clearer long-term sporting strategy.
According to Croatian media reports, Leko could be entrusted with the first team for the remainder of the autumn campaign. However, suggestions that Dinamo may have reached an agreement with another unidentified coach have also emerged, underlining the uncertainty surrounding the process.
The next appointment will carry considerable responsibility. Dinamo are expected to challenge for domestic honours while remaining competitive in European football, and the new coach will inherit a squad containing experienced internationals alongside several promising young players.
Improving defensive stability, creating a recognisable tactical structure and encouraging stronger individual performances will be immediate priorities. The club's leadership must also consider how the coaching appointment fits into its broader recruitment and development plans.
Sunderland Clash Increases the Pressure
Dinamo's upcoming Europa League match against Sunderland adds urgency to the decision. The Croatian side are scheduled to travel to England on November 5, leaving limited preparation time for whoever takes charge of the team.
If Leko is appointed on an interim basis, his first challenge could come against strong European opposition before he has had sufficient time to introduce substantial tactical changes. Establishing confidence and simplifying the team's responsibilities may therefore be more realistic immediate objectives than completely transforming their playing style.
Beyond the Sunderland encounter, Dinamo must continue balancing domestic and European commitments while deciding how best to approach the winter transfer window. Any permanent appointment will also influence potential squad changes and the development of younger players.
The debate surrounding Kovačević's future demonstrates how quickly expectations can change at a club with Dinamo's ambitions. Domestic trophies have not been enough to eliminate concerns about performances, and Boban now faces the task of identifying a coach capable of producing consistent improvement.
Dinamo Zagreb's managerial situation has become one of the biggest talking points in Croatian football. With Kovačević reportedly approaching the end of his tenure and six potential successors entering the public discussion, the club must decide between immediate stability and a longer-term change in direction. Jerko Leko remains the leading reported interim option, but the involvement of internationally recognised names such as Juliano Belletti and Robert Prosinečki ensures that the debate over Dinamo's next head coach is far from settled.
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