Rijeka Coach Kek Calls for Energy and Belief Ahead of Crucial Conference League Play-off

HNK Rijeka's coach, Matjaž Kek, has issued a rallying cry for his players to harness "immense energy" and unwavering self-belief as they prepare to face Danish side Midtjylland in a crucial Europa Conference League play-off second leg. Rijeka must overturn a significant 0-2 deficit from the first match, a task Kek acknowledges is far from easy against a favored opponent.

Speaking at a press conference, Kek emphasized that while the challenge is substantial, his team must draw strength from their own capabilities. "What kind of athletes would we be if we didn't believe in our qualities?" he questioned, highlighting that "bigger miracles have happened in sports." He urged his players to focus on their game and strive for a "perfect performance" from each individual, contributing to the collective effort.

The Croatian coach stressed the need to minimize mistakes and capitalize on opportunities, noting that chances were present even in the first leg in Denmark. "When we get a chance, we must be more engaged and aggressive," Kek stated, adding that "from the first second, our body language must show that we believe in a comeback."

Rijeka's goalkeeper, Aleksa Todorović, echoed the coach's sentiments, acknowledging the difficult task ahead but expressing readiness. "We players need to know it best, we need to be ready. Show our true face and believe in advancing," he said. The return leg will be played at their home stadium, Rujevica, on Thursday evening, where the team hopes to leverage home advantage and the support of their fans to achieve a historic turnaround.

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Treba uzeti silnu energiju i vjerovati u svoju kvalitetu.