Former captain and most decorated player in Rijeka's history told Net.hr he expects a positive result in tonight's return leg against Ilves in Tampere, and commented on the team's form and the situation with Toni Fruk.
Rijeka plays the return leg of the third qualifying round for the Conference League against Ilves in Tampere, Finland, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The Whites carry a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, courtesy of Niko Janković's goal. Former captain and the club's most decorated player, Andrej Prskalo, previewed the match for Net.hr.
Prskalo is pleased with the team's performance under Matjaž Kek so far, with four wins in four matches and a goal difference of 5-1. He is particularly delighted with the solid defense and the fact that goalkeeper Aleksa Todorović has already kept three clean sheets this season.
"I'm really pleased with these results, but also with the fact that Rijeka is conceding few goals. That's what Kek wants. His style and work ethic have always been focused on a solid defense. I'm especially happy for Aleksa (Todorović - ed.) who has already kept three clean sheets, and this coach's dissatisfaction will pass once the attack starts firing," Prskalo said for Net.hr.
Prskalo also commented on the statement by Ilves coach Camilo Speranza, who after the first leg announced that Rijeka would have a much harder time in Finland because the Finns are, after all, a "home team."
"Playing at home is always a plus, and they will certainly show more in Finland than they did in Rijeka, but I'm not afraid. Rijeka goes there with an advantage, and I expect a positive result. Kek is experienced; I'm sure he has dissected Ilves from top to bottom and will steer things in Rijeka's favor," Prskalo said.
When asked about a potential next opponent, Prskalo didn't want to jump to conclusions. Midtjylland won 2-0 in the first leg against Bohemians, but the former captain believes nothing is decided yet.
"I don't like to talk ahead of time. There's still football to be played, and after all, neither Rijeka's nor the Danish advantage is insurmountable," he stated.
Prskalo also addressed the situation with Toni Fruk. Rijeka president Damir Mišković earlier revealed that the club would extend the midfielder's contract if he isn't sold this summer. Prskalo believes Rijeka has an adequate replacement in Niko Janković.
"It's a fact that Rijeka is somewhat weaker without Fruk, but I believe we have a replacement. Janković has not only shown good playing characteristics but also leadership qualities, and there's also Viganto... The biggest reinforcement for Rijeka would certainly be keeping Fruk, but if he leaves, I think Janković can become the new 'engine of Rijeka'," Prskalo concluded.
The return leg of the third qualifying round of the Conference League, Ilves - Rijeka, can be watched exclusively from 6 PM on RTL and the VOYO platform.
