Rijeka adds former captain Mate Maleš to coaching staff under Matjaž Kek

Matjaž Kek has returned to coach HNK Rijeka and announced his new technical team. Former club captain Mate Maleš, who played a key role in Rijeka’s championship generation, joins as an assistant coach. Maleš said, “I am happy to come back in a new role and hope to justify the trust placed in me.” The staff also includes former player Duje Čop and other specialists, with responsibilities already allocated. The club aims to build on its recent successes and begin a month‑long preparation period.

Rijeka’s management emphasized high ambitions for the upcoming season, noting the arrival of a trophy‑winning coach and the new coaching team as central to achieving its goals.