What did Ante Majstorović say about the defeat to Varaždin?

He admitted that Varaždin deservedly won and that Rijeka did not look the way they should in the first half.

Did Majstorović use the busy schedule as an excuse?

No, he explicitly dismissed any excuses and said Rijeka must be much better regardless of the demanding schedule.

How did the fans react after the defeat?

Armada stayed with the team, and there were no harsh words, which Majstorović particularly appreciated and thanked them for.

What did Majstorović announce for the next European match?

He announced that the team will give their all, without giving up, and that he believes they can play against anyone.

Football

Majstorović after defeat: We have to be much better

B.M. · Prije 10h | 2 min

Rijeka captain admitted Varaždin deservedly celebrated, dismissed the busy schedule as an excuse, and specifically thanked Armada fans for their support.

Summary

Rijeka was defeated by Varaždin on August 16, 2026.
Captain Ante Majstorović admitted to a poor first half and the opponent's deserved victory.
He dismissed the busy schedule as an excuse and said Rijeka must be much better.
He specifically thanked Armada fans for staying with the team even after the defeat.

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Rijeka suffered a defeat against Varaždin on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and after the match, captain Ante Majstorović faced the cameras. He did not look for excuses for his team's poor performance, especially in the first half, and clearly stated that the opponent deservedly took the points.

A tough evening and a poor first half

Majstorović described the course of the match and admitted his team's problems. "It was a tough evening for us. In the first half, we didn't look the way we should. After the break, we played better, Varaždin dropped back, and we took the initiative and tried to get back into the game. The coach made it clear at halftime that we can't play like that. We managed to raise our level, but Varaždin deservedly won," said the Rijeka captain.

No excuses despite European commitments

In addition to the domestic league, Rijeka also plays in Europe, but Majstorović did not want to use the busy schedule as an excuse for the defeat. "There are no excuses. We are Rijeka, and we have to be much better. It doesn't matter how demanding the schedule is or how many matches we play-when you wear the Rijeka jersey, you have to show the necessary energy, desire, and responsibility," he said.

Turning to the European challenge

The team now has to quickly turn to the next European test, and Majstorović believes Rijeka will show a different face. "I believe we can play against anyone. We're going there to give our all, and there's no giving up. We have to show a reaction and do everything to achieve a good result," he added.

Special thanks to Armada

Finally, the Rijeka captain addressed the fans' support. Armada stayed with the team even after the defeat, which clearly meant a lot to Majstorović. "I want to thank our fans for their support, first as captain, and then on behalf of everyone else. After a match like this, I expected maybe some harsh words, but they stood by us. Thank you for that; it means a lot to us. For them, and also for ourselves, we have to be much better," Majstorović concluded.