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Mario Gavranovic (30) is shocked when he hears that Osijek is his personal favorite opponent. “Really? I didn’t know that,” says Ticino. 15 games, 12 wins, 10 goals! The Dinamo Zagreb forward has not played against any other team more often and has not scored more against any other team. Gavranovic, the Osijek expert.
Croats are extremely strong at home
On Thursday, FC Basel will face the Croatian first division team from the east of the country in the qualifying round of the Europa League. For Gavranovic “it will not be easy for FCB”. Because the club is “a force” at home and in the home stadium throughout the last season. “That is why it is an advantage for Basel that spectators are not allowed on Thursday,” says the former Nati striker.
Gavranovic does not want to name the most dangerous Osijek player. Because “the team works as a collective” and does not depend on the individual class. With Mirko Maric, last season’s best striker left the club, but Osijek remains a dangerous rival for FCB. “I calculate the 50/50 odds,” says Gavranovic.
Only words of praise for the coach
This optimism has mainly to do with Nenad Bjelica. He coached Gavranovic’s Dinamo Zagreb until the end of April, and has now been Osijek’s coach since the beginning of September. “Basically he lets play offensive football, but depending on the opponent, he also knows how to play to get a result,” says Gavranovic. Bjelica is a great coach. “Osijek signed him because the club wants to play an even bigger role in Croatia in the future.” Last season the club finished fourth. 18 points behind champion Dinamo Zagreb.
