Matjaž Kek criticizes player selection after Rijeka loss

Rijeka manager Matjaž Kek expressed significant dissatisfaction following his team's 2-0 defeat against Varaždin in the third round of the HNL. Kek took full responsibility for the loss, citing poor player selection and excessive rotations as primary factors for the team's lackluster performance.

Kek noted that the squad lacked aggression and failed to maintain control during the match. While acknowledging that player Toni Fruk is a key figure, he emphasized that other players must also take responsibility for the result. The manager stated that certain players' performances were disappointing and that these issues would be addressed within the locker room.

Despite the loss, Kek maintained that the situation is not a catastrophe but a necessary moment for self-reflection. The team must now prepare for an upcoming match against Midtjylland in their pursuit of Conference League qualification.