ZAGREB: Zoran Mamic, one of the most powerful men in Croat football, has taken over as caretaker coach of Dinamo Zagreb after dismissing Branko Ivankovic.

Mamic, sporting director of the club which ‘controls’ the youth talent market in Croatia, will hold the role until the winter break. He will be assisted by coaches Damir Krznar and Igor Cvitanovic.

Favourite as permanent appointment is Bulgarian Ivaylo Petev who left Levski Sofia only a day after being undressed and forced out of his first news conference by hostile fans of the 26-times Bulgarian champions earlier this month.

Ivankovic, 59, who led Dinamo to the Croatian league and cup double in 2007, replaced Krunoslav Jurcic for a third stint at the club after the club were knocked out by Austria Vienna in the Champions League playoffs in August.

Dinamo, who are second in the Croatian league with 27 points from 13 games, host PSV Eindhoven in a Europa League Group B match tomorrow/Thursday.

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