Kek Motivates Puljić: If Modrić Could Play with a Mask at 40, So Can You!
Rijeka opened the new SuperSport HNL season with a 2:1 victory over Rudeš, and coach Matjaž Kek was pleased but also critical of his team's finishing.
Rijeka opened the new SuperSport HNL season with a 2:1 victory over Rudeš, and coach Matjaž Kek was pleased but also critical of his team's finishing.
Rijeka defeated newly promoted Rudeš 2:1 at Rujevica in the first round of the new SuperSport HNL season. The match was played in an awkward slot between two European tests against Ireland's Derry and Finland's Ilves, which made preparation even more challenging for the home side.
Coach Matjaž Kek was aware his team didn't shine but stressed that victory was imperative. "Football is like that-when you don't take your chances, you end up in a situation like we did. In the last 15 minutes, one goal can decide whether you drop points, but it went well. The only goal was to win and build rhythm for some players who are still struggling at the start of the season," Kek said.
He was particularly bothered by the lack of efficiency in the final third. "If we had converted the chances we created, we would have been calm, and I could have rotated and rested some players. You all saw it yourselves. I congratulate the players; they've had a tough week with travel and big temperature differences," added the Rijeka coach.
Analyzing the game, Kek revealed what will be the main focus going forward. "We simply need more concentration in the final third. We need more 'blood' in the final third. We're still coming together, giving minutes to players who haven't trained enough, so we're practically training through matches. Still, we did some things very well, in the geometry of the game that I like. We'll continue to develop what's good and fix what isn't," he explained.
Despite the tough schedule, he believes in his team. "I'm aware it was a tough, draining week, but wins bring mental security and relief. We'll be ready for Thursday," Kek said ahead of the next European challenge.
The Rijeka coach also commented on individuals who particularly pleased him. He praised Justas Lasickas, the Lithuanian player who put in a very good performance. "Training is my primary source of information. Lasickas deserved the chance, he played well and is getting into form. He has a quadriceps issue, so we wanted to spare him for the next match. He's an extra solution, and I'm very pleased," Kek said.
He also spoke about young Branko Pavić, who justified the trust shown in him. "He already showed talent last season. He's very young and must work on his physique and himself. I love football-intelligent players, as you know. He justified my trust, as did everyone else," Kek stated.
In his typical style, the experienced coach emphasized the importance of the collective. "I will never put a player above the team. Everyone has understood that and plays for the club, not for themselves. It wasn't Kek or Fruk who won, but Rijeka. That's my mantra, I stand by it and try to develop it," he said firmly.
Kek also explained the tactical decision behind Moreno Živković not coming on. "Rudeš brought on Vukić, who is tall and good in the air, so I kept Majstorović on. He had some issues before, but because of that change by Rudeš, I decided to keep him. He'll be good for Thursday and will start. Moreno is an extra option in the back line," he revealed.
Particularly interesting was his comment about striker Jakov Puljić, who played with a protective mask on his face. "This was an ideal match for him. The mask, which he trained with for four days, bothered him a bit. I told him: 'If Croatia's captain could play with a mask at 40, you can too, otherwise I'll nudge your nose a bit,'" Kek recounted with a smile, adding that Puljić had been without training for ten days and found it hard to get into rhythm.
