Osijek's footballers opened the new season with two convincing away wins and a goal difference of 8-1, and legendary Robert Špehar analyzes the key factors behind the revival under Argentine coach Bessone for Net.hr.
NK Osijek have entered the new SuperSport HNL season in a way that has surprised even the biggest optimists. Two away wins in the first two rounds, against Gorica and Rudeš, with an impressive goal difference of 8-1, have brought smiles back to the faces of fans and rekindled hope for a return to the fight for European competition.
Legendary former Osijek player Robert Špehar, who played 108 official matches and scored 69 goals for the club during Croatia's independence era, commented for Net.hr on the great start to the season and what has sparked the team's resurgence at Opus Arena.
Although the numbers are impressive, Špehar emphasizes that what pleases him more than the wins themselves is the way Osijek have played. "Time will tell, but after the last few seasons where Osijek didn't look good and finished at the bottom of the table, they shouldn't worry at all about the quality of Gorica and Rudeš," Špehar said for Net.hr, adding that everyone who loves the club is satisfied with what they've seen.
"Gorica and Rudeš away, and Osijek played both of those matches well. Not just in terms of results, not just goals, but really well, with flair and freedom. As if some shackles have been removed from the players' backs," Špehar described the team's transformation. He particularly noted that true quality needs to be confirmed against the strongest opponents like Dinamo, Hajduk, and Rijeka.
The key role in the revival belongs to Argentine expert Federico Bessone. "Of course, we should congratulate coach Federico Bessone and the coaching staff. Coaches are always the measure of how their team looks," Špehar emphasized. According to him, the tactical pattern that Bessone wants to implement is already clearly visible.
"You can already see the pattern that this coach wants, to play quite attacking, to play combination football, but also to take advantage in half-counters and counters, and to press high," Špehar analyzed. He added that Osijek has had quality players before, but now with a few new arrivals, they look completely different.
The Osijek legend gave special praise to the new Mexican signing. "I say, the players have got this little Leon, the Mexican, and he brings a lot. Truly, an incredible copy in terms of build and appearance of Mierza, he really reminds me of him," Špehar said.
Besides the physical resemblance to the former striker, Špehar points out that Leon is also an improvement in play: "He chases the back line, he's powerful, and when it comes to playing with the ball at his feet, he's much better, and we also see that quality in the air, so a lot has been gained with him." Alongside Leon, he also highlighted the depth on the bench, mentioning Heister and other players who are just joining the squad.
The emphatic 6-1 win against Rudeš on Saturday became Osijek's third most convincing away victory in HNL history, and the atmosphere in the city is getting better. "A lot of people are surprised by these two results, and, I say, what pleases me more is the play, that's the most important thing," Špehar said.
The fan group Kohorta has already been following the team in good numbers on the road, and Špehar expects even more support at home. "If they beat Lokomotiva, three wins in a row, nine points, I think then even a little euphoria could easily start. In Osijek, it doesn't take much," he concluded.
Despite the enthusiasm, Špehar calls for calm. "We need to stay firmly on the ground, on our feet, not fly too high, because the real matches, the highest quality ones, are still to come, and that's where the true face will be seen," he said. Nevertheless, he believes the team now has the confidence and quality to fight for Europe.
"We should enjoy this, gather as much confidence as possible from these two matches, and go bravely from match to match, playing football without tension. I think that should then certainly mean this season that Osijek can fight for Europe again," Špehar concluded for Net.hr. Striker Omerović has already scored four goals in the first two rounds and shares the top of the scoring charts.
