Kek Unhappy After 1:0

Rijeka recorded their fourth consecutive win to open the season, but the mood at Rujevica after the match against Ilves was anything but euphoric. Matjaž Kek did not hide his concern after the narrow 1:0 win in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round, aware that his team missed the chance to secure a more comfortable return leg.

The only goal of the match came from Niko Janković in the 16th minute, but despite the initiative and created chances, the visitors' net remained untouched. Finnish goalkeeper Faris Krkalić successfully dealt with mostly long-range efforts, especially in the second half.

Lacked Energy and 'Blood' for a Second Goal

Rijeka's coach was direct in his assessment of what he saw. "Another game in a row where, based on chances, instead of winning comfortably, we leave question marks for the return leg in Finland. Simply put, the chances we fail to convert make us insecure," Kek told Sportklub. He added that it was evident the team ran out of freshness and that now follows a seven-day period of adaptation to different conditions, primarily the artificial turf in Finland.

"We will have to adapt to the artificial turf as soon as possible. You have to adapt; whoever adapts will be more successful. We can and must play at a higher level. We lacked energy and finishing," emphasized the Slovenian tactician on the Rijeka bench.

Asked whether the problem lies in quality or concentration, Kek was clear: "With the quality we have, we must be better in the final third. I missed energy and hunger, 'blood' to score and force the ball into the net. Through training, I see we can do better. We've won four games to open the season, but the dissatisfaction is perhaps present because I know we can do better."

Fruk and Dantas Sidelined, Vignato Returns

Adding to the concern are personnel issues. Kek revealed that key midfielder Toni Fruk was substituted at halftime due to injury. "In this congested schedule, injuries happen. Toni couldn't continue; nothing is torn in the joint, but we'll wait a day or two," the coach explained. Alongside Fruk, Dantas also left the pitch after a knock to his thigh muscle. The good news is the return of Vignato after a long layoff, but Kek is aware that energy and finishing were what was missing.

He also commented on the fact that this is already the third consecutive match in which his team has failed to score with Fruk on the pitch: "We've now gone three games without a goal from Fruk, and we're still alive. It's all part of our collaboration that brings many good things, but also too many things for me that we need to fix."

Preparing for the Inevitable: Life Without Fruk

Although he did not want to reveal tactical details, Kek confirmed that the team is already preparing for the scenario of losing their best player. "It has to happen; we'll have to live with it. You saw in this match that we're preparing for it, but I won't tell you directly how," he said, then continued: "Let Fruk go, let someone else go; we've always come up with something, so we will this time too. For his sake, I'd like him to take that step because he deserves it. We must not fear it."

At the same time, the strategist from Kvarner does not want signings just to fill the squad. "If I start thinking that way, then I didn't come to Rijeka for that. I'm only interested in players who add value. If a departure happens, it probably means we're financially stable and can invest," Kek concluded.

Ilves More Dangerous Than Derry

Reflecting on the opponent, Kek warned that Ilves is a better team than Derry, Rijeka's previous opponent. "I already warned while analyzing their matches in Europe and the league that they are well-organized. They are calm in possession, and in transition, they know which side to attack. We must prepare, be faster, more aggressive, and more focused in those chances," Kek told his players ahead of the trip to Finland, where Rijeka will defend a narrow lead in a week's time and chase a spot in the playoff.