Kek after victory over Rudeš: We lack blood and concentration

Rijeka opened the new SuperSport HNL season with a 2-1 win over newly promoted Rudeš at Rujevica, but coach Matjaž Kek did not hide that he expects more from his players, especially in the final third. The match was played between two European tests against Irish side Derry and Finnish side Ilves, which further influenced the approach and lineup.

Kek: The only goal was victory

Kek told Index.hr Sport that despite all the difficulties, the primary task was accomplished. "Football is like that; when you don't take advantage of such chances, you end up in a situation like we were in. In the last 15 minutes, one goal can decide whether you drop points, but it turned out well. The only goal was victory and raising the tempo for some players who still have issues at the start of the season," said the Rijeka coach.

He added that missed chances prevent him from rotating the squad more calmly. "If we had converted the chances we created, we would have been calm and I could have rotated and rested some players. You saw it all yourselves. Congratulations to the players; they had a tough week behind them, with travel and big temperature differences. Now we will prepare calmly for new challenges in Europe," he said.

"We need even more 'blood' in the final third"

Analyzing the missed opportunities, Kek highlighted key shortcomings in his team's play. "We simply need more concentration in the final third. We need even 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 exhausting schedule, he believes in his players' readiness for the next European test. "I'm aware it was a tough week that takes its toll, but wins bring mental security and relief. We'll be ready for Thursday," he added.

Praise for Lasickas and Pavić

The Rijeka coach singled out two players in particular. Lithuanian Justas Lasickas got his chance and justified the trust. "Training is my primary source of information. Lasickas deserved the opportunity, he played well and is getting into form. He has quadriceps issues, so we wanted to spare him for the next match. He's an extra solution and I'm very pleased," said Kek.

He also commented on young Branko Pavić: "He already showed his talent last season. He's very young, he needs to work on his physique and on himself. I love football-intelligent players, you know that. He justified my trust, as did everyone else."

Collective over individual

Kek once again emphasized his coaching philosophy, in which no one is above the club. "I will never put a player above the team. Everyone has understood that and they play for the club, not for themselves. It wasn't Kek or Fruk who won, but Rijeka. That's my mantra, I stand behind it and I strive to develop it," he said firmly.

Živković's role and Puljić with a mask

Kek also explained why Moreno Živković didn't come on. "Rudeš brought on Vukić, who is tall and good in the air, so I kept Majstorović on. He had issues before, but because of that change by Rudeš, I decided to keep him. He'll be good for Thursday and will start from the first minute. Moreno is an additional option in the back line," he said.

Finally, he commented on Jakov Puljić's performance, who played with a protective mask. "This was an ideal match for him. The mask, which he trained with for four days, bothered him a bit." In his typical style, Kek revealed how he motivated him: "I told him: 'If the Croatian captain could play with a mask at 40, you'll play too, otherwise I'll move your nose a bit.' He's an excellent solution against closed formations; he's great in that situation. He was without training for ten days, and it's not easy to catch the rhythm," concluded Kek for Index.hr Sport.