Derry City manager Lynch urges fans to back team in UEFA Conference League tie vs Rijeka

Derry City Football Club are fighting to stay in their UEFA Conference League tie after a 1‑0 loss in the first leg against Croatian side HNK Rijeka. Manager Tiernan Lynch said the tie is still "very much alive" and highlighted the financial gap between the clubs, noting Rijeka’s £8 million budget compared with CSKA Sofia’s £12 million. He also referenced the potential €10‑12 million move of Rijeka forward Toni Fruk to Ajax, using the example to stress the level difference.

Lynch urged his players to stay confident and reminded supporters of the "unbelievable" atmosphere at the Brandywell stadium that helped the team in a recent Europa League tie against CSKA Sofia. He asked the Derry City faithful to provide the same passion and belief for the upcoming second‑leg match, arguing that discipline and fan support could turn the aggregate score in their favour.