Dinamo Zagreb fires coach after losing 9-2 to Bayern

The shock dismissal of Sergej Jakirovic came as a direct response to the disastrous 9-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the opening match of the Champions League group stage.

The result, which set an unfortunate record in the competition's history, proved to be the final blow for the 47-year-old Bosnian coach, whose tenure at Dinamo Zagreb had previously been marked by notable success. Jakirovic’s sacking comes at a pivotal time for Dinamo, as they look to recover from a poor run of form both domestically and in Europe.

Last season, Jakirovic led Dinamo Zagreb to a domestic double, capturing both the Croatian League title and the Croatian Cup. His ability to guide the team to such success had earned him praise, and it seemed that Dinamo had solidified their dominance in Croatian football. However, this season has been marked by a dramatic downturn in results, with the Bayern defeat being the tipping point. Prior to the Champions League humiliation, Dinamo had already struggled in the domestic league, failing to win their last two matches. The loss at home to fierce rivals Hajduk Split (0-1) and a disappointing 1-1 draw against Rijeka had raised concerns over the team’s form and momentum.

The club’s statement announcing Jakirovic’s departure was measured in tone, emphasizing gratitude for his past contributions while acknowledging the need for change. “We sincerely thank Sergej Jakirovic for everything he has done for our club and wish him the best of luck in his future career,” the statement read. It also urged the media and fans to show compassion toward the coach and his family during what was described as an already “stressful situation.” This appeal for understanding reflects the intense pressure Jakirovic had been under in recent weeks, as expectations for Dinamo Zagreb remain sky-high, especially in European competition.

Club president Valimir Zajec echoed the sentiment of gratitude but emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of Dinamo Zagreb. "I would like to thank Sergej Jakirovic for all the results he achieved. He left me with the impression of being a good person, and I wish him the best for his future career,” Zajec said. He added, “The most important thing in these situations is to remain humane and put Dinamo’s interests first.” Zajec’s remarks underline the fine balance that clubs must strike between loyalty to successful managers and the need to respond to poor performances.

The timing of Jakirovic’s dismissal is critical, as Dinamo’s next Champions League fixture looms large. They will face Monaco at home on October 2, in a match that could determine whether the Croatian club can salvage their European campaign. After such a heavy loss to Bayern, confidence will be low, and the team will need a strong response to avoid further embarrassment on the continental stage.

Domestically, Dinamo Zagreb finds itself in an unusually challenging position. After six rounds of the Croatian League, they sit in third place, trailing behind Hajduk Split and Rijeka by just one point. Normally seen as the dominant force in Croatian football, Dinamo’s current standing in the league adds to the urgency of finding a quick solution to their on-field struggles.

The dismissal of Jakirovic highlights the ruthless nature of modern football, where even recent success is no guarantee of job security. Despite winning the double last season, Jakirovic's inability to stop the team’s decline, especially in the face of such a humiliating European result, led to his exit. His departure serves as a reminder of the high stakes at a club like Dinamo Zagreb, where expectations are always set on winning both at home and abroad.

For Jakirovic, the defeat to Bayern will likely be seen as a stain on his otherwise positive record with the club. The 9-2 loss not only cost him his job but also tarnished Dinamo’s reputation in Europe. For the Croatian champions, the challenge now is to regroup quickly, under new leadership, and restore their status as both domestic and European contenders.