Kek: I’d Be the Happiest Returning to Rijeka

Victor Sanchez is soon expected to leave his role as the coach of Rijeka, with former Kvarner youth coach and recent Slovenian presidential candidate, Matjaž Kek (64), widely mentioned as his successor.

In an interview with the Slovenian Sports Club, Kek spoke about the possibility of returning to Rujevica. He emphasized that Rijeka has never been a club he considered in the context of coaching opportunities.

“I’m not someone who seeks publicity; at times, it even made me uncomfortable. I’m from Opatija and have visited Rijeka several times to watch the team. But it immediately became an issue. Rijeka has a coach who I consider top-notch,” Kek said, revealing that Rijeka is a special club for him and that he would have to think carefully about any offer.

“Rijeka, along with Maribor, is a club I deeply respect and which has given me a lot. I tried to give back in my own way. I wouldn’t consider an offer from Rijeka like any other club. Here, money is the last thing on my mind. If you’re afraid or calculating in sports, that’s not the true way. Returns can bring satisfaction or disappointment. I definitely don’t look at things from that angle.”

Kek has the motivation and energy for a return to coaching and hopes it will be with Rijeka, though he remains cautious in his statements.

Kek: I’m Not Naive to Live Off Past Glory

“I have enough energy, am in good health, and have more or less knowledge to return to football. If it’s Rijeka, I would be the happiest as I would be returning somewhere where I am respected. But I’m not naive to live off past glory. People change, football changes, Rijeka changes, and I’ve changed too. That stubbornness is still very much alive in me,” he emphasized.

The interview concluded with a noteworthy statement. Kek expressed his interest in victories, highlighting that Dinamo is exceptionally strong.

“This potential return would be tied to many currently uncertain factors. Let’s give time its time; the championship will soon end, and clubs will decide on new strategies. Now, in the Croatian football scene, Dinamo is very, very strong, and I’m only interested in victories…” Kek concluded.