Sergej Jakirović’s Reign at Dinamo Zagreb Nearing Its End?

Sergej Jakirović is on the brink of losing his job as manager of Dinamo Zagreb.

Following a series of disappointing results, the most damning of which came two days ago with a 9-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, it seems that Jakirović’s tenure may be running out. This humiliating loss, the heaviest defeat in the club’s history, has only heightened frustrations among both the club’s leadership and fans, who were already growing impatient after a string of poor performances.

Dinamo’s recent league results have been far from ideal, as they failed to secure victory in the crucial clash against Rijeka (1-1) and were then beaten by rivals Hajduk Split 1-0 at home in Maksimir Stadium just days before the Bayern catastrophe. These performances have seen Dinamo lose top spot in the SHNL, making for a shaky start to a season where much was expected. Rumours are circulating that Jakirović could be replaced soon, with Niko Kovač being touted as a potential successor. However, this seems unlikely given Kovač’s reluctance to take on the role and the financial obstacles involved.

While Kovač’s name has been floated, sources close to the Croatian legend have poured cold water on the idea, stating, “Very difficult; I think there is no chance that he would agree to come to Dinamo.” Kovač, who last managed Wolfsburg and is currently available, is regarded as a coach who could bring a strong, disciplined approach to Dinamo. However, his high salary and history of coaching at top European clubs make the move to the Croatian league an unlikely step back in his career.

Other names mentioned as possible replacements include familiar faces like Nenad Bjelica, Željko Sopić, Igor Bišćan, and Damir Krznar. There has even been talk of Vedran Ćorluka, though his lack of managerial experience makes this suggestion improbable.

The match that may have sealed Jakirović’s fate took place at a packed Allianz Arena, where Bayern Munich dismantled Zagreb 9-2. Bayern’s attack, led by Harry Kane with four goals, including two penalties, simply overwhelmed the Croatian champions. The floodgates opened early, and Dinamo found themselves on the receiving end of a record-breaking onslaught.

Bayern set new records with their emphatic win, becoming the first team in Champions League history to score nine goals in a single game. Kane’s contribution was historic in its own right, surpassing Wayne Rooney as the English player with the most goals in the competition, now sitting at 33.

Despite the overwhelming scoreline, Dinamo briefly showed signs of life after halftime when Bruno Petković and Takuya Ogiwara netted two quick goals to cut Bayern’s lead to 3-2. However, Bayern quickly regained control, with Kane and Michael Olise restoring a comfortable advantage before Leroy Sané and Leon Goretzka added to Dinamo’s misery.

Post-match, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany admitted there were a few defensive lapses but was pleased with the team’s overall performance. “We conceded twice because we were a step too late as a team, but we showed a reaction, and it was a good evening for us,” Kompany said.

For Dinamo Zagreb, the match was a night to forget—yet another painful reminder of the growing gap between them and Europe’s elite, as well as the internal issues that have plagued their domestic season.

Site Opinion – Managerial Mismanagement

Dinamo Zagreb’s ongoing woes are the direct result of managerial mismanagement. Jakirović’s inability to inspire his squad and address glaring tactical issues has left the team in freefall. His decisions in key matches, particularly against Hajduk and Rijeka, suggest a coach running out of ideas and authority.

While a historic defeat like the one against Bayern would be hard for any coach to survive, it’s Jakirović’s broader failure to maintain Dinamo’s domestic dominance that will likely seal his fate. A change is not just imminent but necessary if the club is to salvage its season and return to the top of Croatian football.