Rijeka's striker speaks about his return, injury, and European ambitions ahead of the return leg in Finland. Meanwhile, Dinamo prepares for a historic final at Maksimir and signs a talented 19-year-old.
Experienced 32-year-old striker Jakov Puljić has returned to Rujevica and makes no secret of his delight. In an interview with Novi list, he revealed that the fans were one of the key reasons for his return to Rijeka after leaving in February 2020.
"One of the reasons for my return is the fans. I've always felt at home here. They welcomed me warmly the first time, and especially now that I'm back. The club is at an even higher level, and it's a pleasure to be at Rujevica," Puljić told Novi list.
During pre-season, Puljić suffered an unpleasant nose injury that caused him to miss the opening matches of the season. Although he's now back on the pitch, he still wears a protective mask that he can't wait to take off. "I've already gotten used to the mask, but I can't wait to take it off. I believe I'll gradually remove it after two or three matches and be fully ready," he admitted.
Rijeka has strung together three wins in Europe with the identical scoreline of 1:0, including the one against Ilves in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round. Additionally, they celebrated a 2:1 victory in the SuperSport HNL. Puljić emphasizes the importance of these results for the team's morale. "Wins, even narrow ones, are crucial for the atmosphere and confidence. We also want to present ourselves in the best possible light," he said.
He is aware that the team must improve their finishing but believes in progress. "We'll work on our finishing and concentration to improve that aspect. The important thing is that we're creating chances. Someone will always step up, and I believe we'll grow from match to match."
Puljić has scored 24 goals for Rijeka in the HNL, and last season, in the jersey of Vukovar 1991, he netted 16 goals and contributed to 17 of the team's 28 points, though he couldn't prevent the club's relegation.
The return leg against Ilves in Tampere, Finland, won't be an easy task. Although Rijeka holds a narrow lead, Puljić warns of caution. "We have a minimal advantage after a tough match. That's a sign we must not let our guard down; we have a return leg where we can settle everything in the best possible way," he stressed.
He also analyzed the opponent, now led by coach Camilo Speranza, who recently took over from the sacked Joni Lehtonen: "We prepared very well for the Finns; we knew their strengths and weaknesses. They didn't create too many chances for us. Overall, we closed things down well at the back, while there's still room for improvement going forward."
While Rijeka prepares for Europe, Dinamo is experiencing historic moments. On Sunday at 6:30 PM, the Ramljak26 final against Ajax will take place on the main pitch at Maksimir. It will be the last match on that pitch before the planned demolition of the legendary stadium. The West Stand lower tier opens an hour earlier, at 5:30 PM, and entry for all fans is free.
The Blues secured their place in the final with a big win over Benfica and now defend the title they won last year. The Rijeka vs. Dinamo match in the 2nd round of the SuperSport HNL has been postponed due to both clubs' European commitments, and a new date will be announced later.
Meanwhile, the Zagreb club has officially confirmed the arrival of 19-year-old Noah Nsoki from PSG. Born in Tournan-en-Brie, he plays as a left winger and attacking midfielder and will wear the number 77 jersey for Dinamo. With the Parisian club, he won two French U19 championship titles and last year's senior Ligue 1 title and Trophée des Champions.
