The current national vice-champions and Croatian Cup winners gathered at the Zamet hall, introduced their new signing and coaching staff changes, and announced preparations in Kranjska Gora.
At the Zamet hall, the futsal team Rijeka began preparations for the new SuperSport HMNL season on Monday, August 17, 2026. Coach Alen Jukić called up eleven players and three goalkeepers, with Brazilian Savio standing out among the new faces, expected to be a significant reinforcement for the current national vice-champions and Croatian Cup winners.
Serbian international Đorđe Rosić did not appear at the first gathering due to traffic issues. Changes in the coaching staff have given Rene Komar a new role as assistant coach, while Ivan Jasprica moves to the position of general manager, serving as the link between the players and the club's management.
Before the first training session, club president Vedran Frelih addressed the players and coaching staff, announcing a step forward that awaits Rijeka at the end of the month.
"At the end of the month, we are going to preparations in Kranjska Gora. We decided on this investment and this step forward, probably the only one in futsal in Croatia. And that is another reason to start seriously from the beginning. I want you to be attractive, not to be afraid, to enjoy the season as before, and of course to give your all to be even better than last season. We must fill this hall, and I have no doubt about it because we have filled every hall we have played in so far," Frelih said.
Along with captain Luka Suton, club vice-president Sanjin Ugarković also addressed those gathered, clearly defining the ambitions for the new season.
"We are attacking all trophies! And we are not ashamed to say it publicly in advance. We are not afraid of anyone!" said Ugarković.
Rijeka's futsal team will have the opportunity to break the streak of poor results by Rijeka teams at the Zamet hall. Since that hall was built, Zamet's handball players have been relegated from the Premier League twice, and Zamet's female handball players once. Kvarner basketball players have not exactly covered themselves in glory playing there either.
Last season, HMNK Rijeka filled the Mladost Hall to the last seat several times, where nearly 4,000 spectators pushed the Whites towards their first futsal trophy, the Croatian Cup, and the playoff final. The capacity of the Zamet hall is more modest, at 2,200 seats, so the atmosphere in this multi-purpose facility will be different, but the quality of futsal should not be in question.
The first test of Rijeka's capabilities will come on September 20 and 21, 2026, when the Supercup final tournament is scheduled.
