Matjaž Kek, former coach of NK Rijeka and current head coach of Slovenia’s national team, expressed his disappointment over Croatia’s elimination from the World Cup after a dramatic loss to Portugal, calling it “a second time Portugal has escaped.” He reflected on the emotional impact of the defeat, which mirrored Slovenia’s exit from Euro 2020 two years earlier. Kek, who was coaching Slovenia during that tournament, described the pain of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates advance while Croatia fell short. Despite acknowledging the quality displayed by the Croatian team, particularly in the second half against Portugal, he emphasized that the outcome was not a reflection of their potential. Kek returned to Rijeka in early June, marking the start of his second tenure as manager of the club. Previously, he led the team from February 2013 to November 2018, amassing four trophies with the club: the Supercup (2014/15), the Cup (2013/14 and 2016/17), and the Croatian League (2016/17). His return aims to build upon this legacy, with the goal of achieving further success for Rijeka. Speaking ahead of the new season, Kek praised the progress made under the leadership of Damir Mišković and his staff, highlighting the club’s improved organization and its role as a representative of Croatian football in Europe. He noted that the previous season had been particularly successful in terms of European competitions. Looking forward, Kek addressed the main rivals, Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb, as well as other clubs such as Varaždin. While he acknowledged Hajduk’s advantage due to having played official matches, he remained optimistic about the prospects of all teams competing in European tournaments. He commended Dinamo for its high level of quality and efficient management, crediting Zoran Boban for his influence on the club. Kek wished all clubs, including Rijeka, a successful European campaign. In addition to discussing the competitive landscape, Kex touched on Josip Mišić, a key player from Rijeka’s 2017 championship-winning squad, who is once again being considered for inclusion in the national team’s roster. Kek praised Mišić’s performance at Dinamo, noting that his contributions extended beyond the pitch. He expressed admiration for players who demonstrate both skill and character, emphasizing the importance of respecting their efforts. However, he refrained from commenting on the ongoing debate between Zlatko Dalić and Slavoljub Bilić regarding coaching roles, stating that such decisions rest with the selectors. Kek also drew parallels between Croatia’s World Cup exit and Slovenia’s Euro 2020 departure, underscoring the emotional weight of these moments. He reiterated his respect for the achievements of the Croatian national team under Dalić, especially the resilience shown during the match against Portugal. He believed Croatia still holds promise and should remain confident in its future. Regarding the decision by the Croatian Football Association to appoint Slavoljub Bilić to replace Dalić, Kek called it a logical choice. He highlighted Bilić’s proven track record, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of the game, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the team effectively.
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