Rijeka Fans' Discontent with Keka's Style Following Defeat to Varaždin
After the loss to Varaždin, some Rijeka fans criticize the defensive play and the start of the season, but the coach's historical credit still holds water.
After the loss to Varaždin, some Rijeka fans criticize the defensive play and the start of the season, but the coach's historical credit still holds water.
Following a 2:0 defeat to Varaždin, Rijeka remains on three points from two league matches. Some fans have already begun to express dissatisfaction with Matjaž Kek, mainly due to the team's attacking display. In comments below Index's article and on Rijeka's social media, messages have appeared claiming "this is not Rijeka," that the team is playing a "bunker" style, and that with such play, they have no business in Europe.
One fan believes that in ten matches under Kek, Rijeka has not produced "a single coherent attack." Another labels Kek a miss due to what he calls "cautious play and bunkering," while a third thinks that with this style, Rijeka has no chance of securing a spot in the Conference League group stage.
Such reactions should be viewed in context. Kek took over the bench mid-season, and he did not inherit a squad that fully matched his preferences; Rijeka also underwent changes in the summer. Besides the league, there are European qualifiers, so the team must simultaneously adapt to a new coach and play a congested schedule.
One of the key factors is Toni Fruk. This attacking midfielder was among the most important members of Rijeka's squad last season, and his potential transfer would further diminish the team's creativity. Should Fruk leave, Kek will need to find an alternative for a player who was crucial in creating chances and linking midfield with attack last season.
This is particularly evident in the matches so far. Rijeka struggles to create opportunities, often has difficulty entering the final third, and lacks a player who takes responsibility when the opponent sets up defensively. In the match against Varaždin, the home side had more dangerous chances in the first half, while Rijeka failed to impose a tempo that would allow them control.
Therefore, fan criticism is understandable, but there is not yet enough reason to conclude that Kek is the wrong choice. This coach has won the league title and the Cup with Rijeka, played in the Europa League group stage, and achieved the club's greatest results. His previous tenure at Rijeka grants him enough trust to be given the opportunity to build the team.
However, that trust does not mean that what is seen on the pitch should be ignored. Rijeka wants to be among the best in Croatian football again and secure European football, and to do so, they will need to start accumulating points in the league. Three points from three matches is not a significant deficit, but the performance against Varaždin did not provide much reason for satisfaction.
The situation is further complicated by the European schedule. Rijeka defeated Ilves and secured a spot in the Conference League play-offs, meaning another crucial European tie lies ahead, while the team is still searching for form. If they advance, they will have additional matches but also the opportunity to gain confidence through Europe.
Kek should be given a chance, but progress must be visible. Rijeka must generate more chances, use the ball more effectively, and prove they have answers when the opponent blocks their play. If that does not happen, the question is not only about results but also whether the style of football the coach demands suits the current squad.
Therefore, it is premature to draw conclusions about Kek after just three league matches. But it is equally wrong to ignore the discontent that has already emerged among fans. Kek is the coach with the best results in Rijeka's history, but now he must prove that his idea can work with this team as well.
