Rijeka football club sees Victor Sanchez evaluate season while Matjaž Kek mulls comeback

Victor Sánchez, the 50‑year‑old Spanish coach who took charge of HNK Rijeka in September 2023, reflected on a season that delivered a Europa Conference League round‑of‑16 appearance but fell short domestically. Rijeka finished fourth in the Croatian top flight, 35 points behind champions Dinamo Zagreb and 15 points adrift of second‑placed Hajduk Split, and did not capture any trophies. Sánchez praised the team’s European progress after eliminating French side Strasbourg and highlighted a historic victory in the Adriatic derby, as well as knocking out a rival in the cup.

Former Rijeka boss Matjaž Kek, the Slovenian who previously led the club from the Rujevica academy to its greatest successes, said he would be "happiest" to return to the club. Kek emphasized his respect for Rijeka, stated that money is not his motive and acknowledged the current dominance of Dinamo Zagreb, leaving open the possibility of a future appointment.