Dinamo Zagreb has issued a statement acknowledging the club’s recent difficulties, admitting they are in a “crisis” just days before Celtic’s visit to Maksimir Stadium.
This follows a frustrating 1-1 draw against Slaven on Friday evening, extending the Croatian champions’ struggles to just one victory in their last seven domestic matches as they prepare for Tuesday’s pivotal encounter.
Despite their domestic slump, Zagreb maintains a favorable position in the UEFA Champions League. They trail Celtic by only one point in the league phase, having secured two wins and one draw so far.
Regardless, ahead of Tuesday, the club released a statement about their current predicament: “The game against Slaven showed we are in a crisis of results which has largely been influenced by injuries to the most high-quality of our first-team players,” it read (RecordSport).
“But there is no crisis within the club. We have funds for the next transfer window. For us, the window has already opened in the search for reinforcements in the agreed positions.
“We will work our way out of this results crisis and return to winning ways. Surrender is not an option in Dinamo’s DNA. Just like in previous seasons, we will get out of our present difficulties together with your support.”
The latest development follows a wave of abuse and hostility directed at Dinamo Zagreb’s players by the club’s ultras group, Bad Blue Boys, after their disappointing draw on Friday evening.
While the team is not in an ideal state leading up to Tuesday’s clash, they should not be underestimated. Zagreb has a solid track record at Champions League level, but given Celtic’s recent form, Brendan Rodgers and his team have every reason to approach the match with confidence.
A midweek victory would virtually secure Celtic’s spot in the last-16 play-offs, allowing them to shift their focus to the league cup final, making this a potentially defining week for their season.
