Kek warns ahead of Ilves: 'This is Europe, there's no fixing it anymore'

Rijeka's footballers face a new European test on Thursday, August 6, 2026. At Rujevica, they will host Finnish side Ilves at 8:45 PM in the first leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the Conference League. After overcoming Northern Ireland's Derry City in the previous round, the Whites aim to continue their path towards the group stages.

Experienced coach Matjaž Kek did not hide his caution at the press conference on August 5. He is aware that his team faces a demanding clash against a well-drilled Finnish side.

'Every detail can swing the match in either direction'

Kek emphasized that there is no room for complacency in European qualifiers. "Every European qualifying match has its own rules and things you need to be prepared for, details that can swing the match one way or another. At Rujevica, something is being asked of Rijeka, and it's up to us to prove ourselves. Ilves is a very cohesive team with their own style and way of playing," said Kek.

He particularly highlighted his dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the game in the last home match. "I already said on Sunday after Rudeš that some things didn't sit well with me. Ilves have experience, they know how to defend and break out in transition. They have their recognizable style, and we'll need to be focused and decisive. We have to keep the tempo; this is Europe, and there's no fixing it anymore," the Slovenian tactician on Rijeka's bench warned.

Kek demands aggression in the box

Reflecting on the Finnish opponent, Kek stressed that Ilves have already successfully passed two hurdles in qualifying and are an experienced side. "This is Europe, where there's no mediocrity, where 'almost' doesn't cut it. Some things after the Rudeš match didn't sit well with me, especially our finishing and aggression in the box, and we need to work on that. Ilves know how to play, how to defend, and they're very good on the break," Kek analyzed.

Rijeka's coach believes that support from the stands will be an important factor, but warns that it alone is not enough. "The body language of the players in training makes me satisfied, but we must not think 'it'll be easy.' Armada will push us, but we have to earn every second and every inch of that match. The goal, of course, is to advance," he stated.

Pavić: 'The Finns have no business at Rujevica'

Midfielder Branko Pavić, who has established himself in Rijeka's midfield, was somewhat more confident in his preview. "We expect a tough and demanding match, but I believe that with the support of the fans and a hundred percent effort from us, the Finns have no business at Rujevica. We've analyzed the Finnish side; they're a good team, and every team at this stage is quality. They're physically strong, and we know it will be difficult," said Pavić.

Kek responded to his player's optimistic statement with a note of caution, reminding that the tie lasts 180 minutes and that the Finns suggest a more closed style of play. "We'll have our plan and our idea of how to get a positive result, but it won't work if we're not focused or if we try to rush things. In Europe, there's no fixing it," Kek concluded.