Jelavić: "I'm disappointed", Peternac: "We'll celebrate a little bit to give the players confidence"

Alen Peternac, coach of NK Rudeš, celebrated his team’s 4-1 victory over Lokomotiva in the fourth round of the Supersport HNL, calling the win a step forward in building confidence among players. The match, played at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, saw Rudeš dominate the second half after a rocky start, with goals from Noa Skoko, Xavi, Josip Bralić, and Ivan Đorić. Lokomotiva’s sole goal came from Dušan Vuković. The game was marked by controversial decisions, including an early red card for Leon Belcar, which frustrated Lokomotiva’s manager Nikica Jelavić. The result sees Rudeš secure their first points of the season in the top-tier league, temporarily distancing themselves from teams still searching for their first victory. With three points in hand, the club moves ahead of Slaven Belupo and Gorica, both of whom remain winless so far this campaign. Peternac, who had previously acknowledged the challenges of the opening matches, expressed optimism about the team's progress. “We’ve been struggling through the first three rounds, but we’re still looking for consistency,” he said. “We’ve been picking up positive periods from earlier games and fixing mistakes against Lokomotiva. The key is that we have these three points and will continue accumulating them.” Peternac emphasized the importance of player belief, stating that the team would take a small moment to celebrate the growing confidence they’ve earned. “We’ll take a little time to celebrate because the players are gaining trust, just as I believed in them from the beginning. From tomorrow, we’ll work even harder and move forward,” he added. His comments reflect a cautious yet hopeful outlook, acknowledging the need for continued effort while recognizing the momentum gained from the win. Lokomotiva’s manager, Nikica Jelavić, admitted disappointment following the loss, particularly due to the early red card against Belcar. Despite a strong initial performance, the team struggled to maintain control after conceding the second goal. “We had good possession before the red card, and even after scoring to equalize, we were effective in the lower block during the first half,” Jelavić said. “However, once we conceded the third goal, everything fell apart quickly. I’m disappointed, and there’s nothing more to say except to congratulate Rudeš on the win. We must correct our errors and prepare well for Hajduk in the next round.” The match also featured several VAR interventions, highlighting the contentious nature of some decisions. While Rudeš controlled much of the second-half action, the early red card disrupted Lokomotiva’s rhythm and contributed to their difficulties. The outcome underscores the competitive nature of the league, where each match carries significant implications for standings and morale. Looking ahead, both teams face crucial fixtures in the coming weeks. For Rudeš, maintaining their upward trajectory will be essential, especially as they aim to challenge for higher positions in the table. Lokomotiva, meanwhile, must address tactical and disciplinary issues to avoid further setbacks. As the season progresses, the performances of both clubs will be closely watched, with the potential for dramatic shifts in the league’s dynamics.