ON
← Back to feed
It's all reminiscent of the fall of 2022, and Kek is deeply aware of one thing.
Croatia⚽ Sports9/1/2026

It's all reminiscent of the fall of 2022, and Kek is deeply aware of one thing.

Rijeka's coach Matjaž Kek expressed concern after a goalless draw against Gorica, highlighting the team's lack of offensive quality and inability to create scoring opportunities. Despite expectations of improvement following their exit from the Conference League, Rijeka struggled against a weak opponent, managing only one shot on target by Toni Fruk. Kek acknowledged challenges in acquiring new players due to financial constraints and emphasized the need to focus on developing current squad members. He warned that if Fruk leaves, the team would face greater difficulties, especially with other players like Dantas, Vignato, and Nikita Janković underperforming. The team now has more time to prepare for league matches compared to the summer schedule, but optimism remains low amid concerns over the squad's depth.

Rijeka's players were visibly weary after their recent European campaign, particularly following a heavy defeat against Danish side Midtjylland. The match had left them with little to celebrate, and the team's young defender Branko Pavić found himself stepping into the spotlight to address reporters after one of the club’s toughest domestic losses in European competition. Pavić, who has played all six matches for Rijeka this season, acknowledged the strength of the Danish side, stating they were superior in set pieces and speed. He emphasized that while the final scoreline of 6-1 was not reflective of the game's true nature, it was clear that Midtjylland deserved their progression through the stage of the competition. The Croatian team faces a crucial challenge ahead as they prepare for a match against Gorica, the only team without points after four rounds of the league. Despite the loss to Midtjylland, Pavić expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back. He recalled the previous encounter with Gorica, which ended in a resounding 4-0 victory for the hosts, and stressed the importance of approaching the upcoming match with determination. "We must not underestimate them," he said. "We remember last season. We will give everything and win." Rijeka's coach, Matjaž Kek, faced criticism after a goalless draw against Gorica, which many felt was a missed opportunity to recover from the European setback. The match, delayed due to lighting issues, started late and featured minimal action, with neither team managing to create meaningful chances. Kek admitted that his team lacked both courage and quality in attack, noting that even the few shots taken were insufficient to break down Gorica's defense. He highlighted the need for improvement, especially given the lack of offensive flair in the squad. Kek also addressed concerns over potential transfers during the transfer window, acknowledging that while there were names on the wish list, financial constraints limited the club's options. He emphasized the importance of working with the current squad and hinted at possible changes if key players like Toni Fruk were to leave. The coach warned that without top-tier individuals capable of deciding matches, the team would have to rely more heavily on collective effort and tactical discipline, a process that could take months to develop. Meanwhile, Gorica's coach, Mario Carević, expressed belief in his team's ability to turn their fortunes around against Rijeka. Despite a four-match losing streak, Carević remained optimistic, emphasizing the need for maximum effort and resilience. He noted that while the team had struggled in the early part of the season, there were signs of improvement, particularly in matches against Lokomotiva and Hajduk, where they had come close to securing positive results. Carević urged his players to focus on the task at hand and to approach the match with aggression and defensive stability. The upcoming clash between Rijeka and Gorica carries significant weight for both teams. For Rijeka, it represents an opportunity to regain momentum after a difficult start to the season, while for Gorica, it offers a chance to end their winless run and secure their first points of the campaign. Both coaches recognize the challenges ahead, with Kek needing to address the team's attacking shortcomings and Carević aiming to instill confidence in his players. As the teams prepare for the match, the outcome will hinge on their ability to execute their strategies effectively and respond to the pressures of the moment.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 3 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

5 reports

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 908/31/2026
Rivers just a point in the sleeper, Mijic shot the match-ball into the finish

The match between Rijeka and Gorica ended without any goals, marking one of the more uneventful games in the Croatian top football league this season. Rijeka had several chances but failed to convert them into goals, with their best opportunity coming in the 85th minute when Mijić missed a shot from eight meters out. Both teams struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities throughout the game, leading to a scoreless draw. The lack of goal-scoring was notable, especially considering the high level of competition in the league.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event with no political implications or commentary. It provides a neutral account of the match outcome and key moments without showing any ideological bias.

Why factuality (95): This article provides a detailed account of the match, including the scoreless result, specific moments like Mijić’s missed shot, and the overall lack of action. It matches the information from other sources and accurately reflects the outcome and events as reported elsewhere.

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains an objective tone, reporting facts without apparent bias. It focuses on the game's progression and outcomes without injecting personal opinion or emotional commentary.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 859/1/2026
It's all reminiscent of the fall of 2022, and Kek is deeply aware of one thing.

Rijeka's coach Matjaž Kek expressed concern after a goalless draw against Gorica, highlighting the team's lack of offensive quality and inability to create scoring opportunities. Despite expectations of improvement following their exit from the Conference League, Rijeka struggled against a weak opponent, managing only one shot on target by Toni Fruk. Kek acknowledged challenges in acquiring new players due to financial constraints and emphasized the need to focus on developing current squad members. He warned that if Fruk leaves, the team would face greater difficulties, especially with other players like Dantas, Vignato, and Nikita Janković underperforming. The team now has more time to prepare for league matches compared to the summer schedule, but optimism remains low amid concerns over the squad's depth.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports match and related commentary about the football club Rijeka. There is no mention of politics, policies, or public figures beyond the coach and players. The content is purely about athletic performance and team management, making it apolitical.

Why factuality (90): The article reports on a football match between Rijeka and Gorica that ended in a 0-0 draw. It mentions the performance of coach Matjaž Kek, the lack of goals from both teams, and specific player actions like Tonija Fruka’s shot. The details align with the cross-source consensus from other articles,

Why objectivity (85): The tone is generally neutral, focusing on the team's performance and coach's comments. There is some emotional language when describing the team's struggles, but overall the article presents the situation without overt bias.

Telegram.hr logoTelegram.hrIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 858/31/2026
Cake doesn't shine at the start of the season, Rijeka has drawn on an extremely boring visit to Gorica.

In the fifth round of the SuperSport HNL, HNK Rijeka played against NK Gorica at the Gradski Stadium in Velika Gorica. The match was delayed by 30 minutes due to faulty floodlights, starting at 21:30 instead of the scheduled time. Both teams struggled to create scoring opportunities, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Rijeka, led by coach Matjaž Kek, continued their poor start to the season, securing only seven points and remaining in fifth place. Gorica, meanwhile, remained last in the league but earned their first point of the season. Kek’s team has four wins, two draws, and three losses this season, with a win percentage of just 44%.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a football match without any political implications. It focuses solely on the game's outcome, context, and performance of the teams involved. There is no indication of ideological framing or biased language toward either club or player. The tone remains neutral and objective.

Why factuality (90): The article confirms the 0-0 draw, mentions the delay due to faulty lights, and includes quotes from coach Kek about his poor start to the season. These details are consistent with other articles and provide additional context about the team's performance and standings.

Why objectivity (85): While the article is mostly factual, there is a slight tilt towards emphasizing Kek's underperformance, which may reflect a more critical perspective. However, it still remains largely objective.

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/31/2026
Coach Gorica believes he can beat Rijeka: "We have to throw ourselves headfirst for a positive result"

Gorica, currently on a four-match losing streak, faces Rijeka in a crucial match. Coach Mario Carević expresses confidence in his team's ability to turn their fortunes around despite acknowledging Rijeka's strength. He emphasizes the need for the team to regain self-confidence and secure points in upcoming matches. Several players are sidelined due to injuries, but Carević remains optimistic about overcoming these challenges. The coach highlights past performances against Lokomotiva and Hajduk, where the team had chances but failed to convert them into wins, leading to frustration and uncertainty. He stresses the importance of aggressive defense and consistent performance to achieve a positive result against Rijeka.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports match between two football teams, discussing the team's current form, player injuries, and the coach's strategy. There is no mention of political figures, policies, or issues, making the content apolitical and thus centered.

Why factuality (85): The article covers the match result and includes quotes from Gorica's coach Mario Carević, discussing the team's challenges and expectations. While the basic facts are consistent with other reports, the focus on Gorica's potential turnaround might slightly skew the emphasis compared to other article

Why objectivity (80): There is a more promotional tone regarding Gorica's chances, suggesting optimism about their ability to turn things around. This introduces a slight subjective element, though not strongly biased.

Novi list logoNovi listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 708/29/2026
Rijeka prisoner after Danish lesson: We knew from the beginning that they were strong in interruptions...

The article discusses a football match between Rijeka and Midtjylland, where Rijeka suffered a heavy defeat. Player Branko Pavić comments on the performance, acknowledging that Midtjylland was strong, particularly in transitions and physicality. He notes that the score of 6:1 does not fully reflect the game but admits Midtjylland deserved to advance. Pavić emphasizes the importance of facing such teams for younger players' development and expresses hope for future encounters. The article also mentions Rijeka's upcoming match against Gorica, noting that Gorica has not won any games yet.

Bias read (Center): The article is focused on a sports event and player commentary, with no political implications. It presents the perspectives of athletes and coaches without taking a clear ideological stance. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the game itself rather than broader societal issues.

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a football match between Rijeka and Midtjylland, quoting player Branko Pavić. It provides details about the team's performance, the result, and Pavić’s comments on the opponent. While there is no primary source, the information aligns with typical sports reporting and matches

Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat subjective, as it includes direct quotes from the player expressing admiration for the opponent and personal reflections on his experience. There is some emotional language regarding the team's performance and future prospects, which leans towards a positive outlook.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories