Kovačević leaves Dinamo after 73 competitive matches, recording 48 victories, 11 draws and 14 defeats. His tenure included winning both the Croatian league title and Croatian Cup during the previous season, achievements that initially strengthened his position at Maksimir. However, the team's inconsistent performances during the current campaign, particularly in European competition, gradually raised questions about whether he remained the right person to lead the club forward.
Dinamo officially thanked Kovačević for his professionalism, dedication and contribution to restoring domestic success. The club also confirmed that Leko, who has been coaching Dinamo's reserve team, will take charge for the next two fixtures before a permanent appointment is announced. Those matches are the Europa League encounter against Sunderland in England and the Croatian league fixture against Varaždin.
Rudeš Defeat Brings Kovačević's Tenure to an End
The decisive setback came against Rudeš, who secured an unexpected 1–0 victory over Dinamo in Velika Gorica. The result represented Dinamo's third domestic defeat of the season and intensified criticism of a squad that had struggled to produce convincing performances despite possessing considerable individual quality.
Although Kovačević had delivered a successful first season, concerns about the team's development had been building for some time. Dinamo's 4–2 home defeat against NEC Nijmegen in the Europa League was particularly damaging, as the Croatian side surrendered a 2–1 lead and conceded three unanswered goals. That performance exposed recurring problems in defensive organisation, tactical adjustments and the ability to maintain control during important stages of matches.
The club's management had previously resisted calls for a coaching change, with Boban publicly supporting Kovačević through several difficult periods. However, the defeat against Rudeš appears to have convinced the leadership that immediate action was necessary rather than waiting until the winter break.
The decision also reflects Dinamo's demanding expectations. Winning domestic trophies remains an essential objective, but the club also measures success through performances against European opponents and the continued development of young players. Despite his achievements, Kovačević was unable to establish the consistency required to satisfy those ambitions.
His departure concludes a period that included significant success but also growing frustration. While the domestic double will remain an important part of his coaching record, the disappointing performances during the current season ultimately proved too costly.
Jerko Leko Takes Charge for Two Important Matches
Dinamo have moved quickly to establish continuity by appointing Jerko Leko as interim head coach. The former Croatian international is already familiar with the club's structure and expectations, having worked with its reserve team and previously represented Dinamo during his playing career.
Leko's immediate responsibility will be preparing the squad for a demanding Europa League fixture against Sunderland on November 5. The English side will provide a difficult first test for the interim coach, particularly given the limited preparation time available following the managerial change.
Three days later, Dinamo will face Varaždin in the Croatian championship, another important encounter in the race to keep pace with league leaders Hajduk Split. Those two matches will provide an early indication of how the players respond to the change in leadership, although Leko will have little opportunity to implement substantial tactical adjustments.
The Croatian coach brings extensive experience from a playing career that included spells with Dinamo Zagreb, Dynamo Kyiv, Monaco and Lokomotiva Zagreb. After retiring, he moved into coaching and gained experience at Croatian clubs, including Jarun and Lokomotiva, before taking charge of Dinamo's second team.
His familiarity with Dinamo's younger players could prove valuable during the transition, especially as the club continues attempting to integrate academy talent into its senior squad. However, the immediate priority will be restoring confidence, improving defensive organisation and establishing a more consistent collective approach.
The club's announcement specifically limits Leko's initial assignment to two matches, indicating that Dinamo intend to make a separate decision about the permanent coaching position.
Boban Expected to Choose Permanent Coach During International Break
Dinamo's search for a long-term replacement is now expected to intensify, with the club planning to announce its new head coach during the November international break. President Zvonimir Boban faces an important decision that could influence Dinamo's tactical direction, player development and recruitment strategy for the remainder of the season.
Several candidates have been linked with the position in Croatian media, including former Barcelona defender Juliano Belletti and Barcelona youth coach Pol Planas. Both represent potential connections to the Catalan club's football philosophy, particularly through Dinamo's football development director Albert Capellas, who previously worked within Barcelona's coaching structure.
Planas has attracted particular attention because of his experience developing young players at La Masia. According to Sportske novosti, the 35-year-old is considered a possible long-term appointment, although Dinamo have not confirmed negotiations or an agreement. Belletti, meanwhile, offers an internationally recognised playing background and experience coaching Barcelona's reserve team, but his candidacy also remains unconfirmed.
Other names have appeared in discussions surrounding the position, including former Dinamo coach Krunoslav Jurčić and former Croatian international Robert Prosinečki. However, the club's decision to appoint Leko for only two matches suggests that management intend to assess their options before committing to a permanent appointment.
The timing is significant. The international break will provide the next coach with an opportunity to work on tactical organisation and prepare for the demanding domestic and European schedule that lies ahead.
A New Chapter for Dinamo Zagreb
The coaching change comes at a crucial moment in Dinamo's season. The Zagreb side remain involved in the Croatian title race but have struggled to maintain the consistency expected of one of the country's most successful clubs. Defensive mistakes, unpredictable results and disappointing European performances have repeatedly undermined the team's attacking potential.
For Leko, the immediate challenge will be stabilising the squad and restoring confidence following the departure of a coach who delivered two major trophies. The upcoming matches against Sunderland and Varaždin will demand discipline, concentration and a collective response from players who have faced increasing criticism in recent weeks.
The appointment of a permanent successor will carry even greater significance. Boban must identify someone capable of combining immediate results with long-term development, particularly as Dinamo attempt to strengthen their European competitiveness while continuing to build around talented young players.
Kovačević's departure also illustrates the demanding nature of coaching at Maksimir. Despite winning the domestic double and recording 48 victories during his tenure, the lack of sustained improvement ultimately brought his time at the club to an end.
Dinamo Zagreb now enter a new phase with Jerko Leko temporarily leading the first team and a permanent managerial appointment expected during the international break. Kovačević leaves behind a domestic double and a respectable overall record, but his successor will inherit the challenge of turning individual quality into consistent performances. With important fixtures approaching and expectations remaining high, the next coaching decision could prove decisive for Dinamo's ambitions this season.
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