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Matjaž Kek returns to coach HNK Rijeka
🇸🇮 Slovenia /Sports

Matjaž Kek returns to coach HNK Rijeka

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Matjaž Kek has returned to coach HNK Rijeka, a club where he previously achieved significant success.
  • Kek led Rijeka to a domestic double in the 2016/17 season and notable European victories.
  • He will present his strategic plan for the new season with the club president on Monday.

Matjaž Kek is back at the helm of HNK Rijeka, returning to the club where he cemented his legacy as their most successful coach. The Slovenian manager's return was widely anticipated and marks his comeback to club management approximately six months after parting ways with the Slovenian national team.

Kek's previous tenure at Rijeka was highly decorated. He guided the team to a historic domestic double in the 2016/17 season and established the club as a force on the European stage. During his time in Kvarner, Rijeka achieved memorable victories against prominent European clubs such as AC Milan, Stuttgart, Feyenoord, and Standard Liège.

The club emphasized Kek's extensive experience, noting he managed the team in 274 matches across various competitions, including 201 league games, 42 European fixtures, and 31 cup and super cup appearances. He is set to officially present his strategic vision for the upcoming season alongside club president Damir Mišković on Monday.

The Croatian league is scheduled to commence its new season on August 1, with Rijeka and Kek aiming to build upon their past successes and compete for further honors.

The strategist with the most trophies in our club's history has returned to the place of happiness and to the bench on which he led our team for 274 matches, namely 201 matches in the Croatian Football League, 42 appearances in European competitions, and 31 in the cup and supercup.

— HNK Rijeka club statementThe club announced Kek's return, highlighting his historical success and extensive record with the team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.