HNK Rijeka has been living in the shadow of the Croatian national team, which has been preparing for the trip to the US on Rujevica. While the spotlight was on Vatreni, on Kvarner, a moment was being prepared in silence that would awaken emotions in many fans that cannot be bought with titles or trophies. This Sunday is obviously chosen for the beginning of a new era. Or, maybe even better said, for the return of the man who marked the most beautiful pages of HNK Rijeka's modern history – Matjaž Kek. Kek is not returning alone, he is bringing a part of Rijeka's history with him. His first assistant will be Mate Maleš, the captain of the championship generation and the man who was the extended arm of the Slovenian expert on the field. The second assistant is expected to be Duje Čop, another well-known name that will replace the grass with the bench and start a new phase of his career. Luka Brkljača is also returning to the staff, who has already worked with Kek during his first mandate and was an important part of the professional team responsible for the rehabilitation and physical preparation of players. The return of Matjaž Kek is not just a change of coach, it's a message that Rijeka doesn't want to be just a passerby in the new season, but a serious candidate for the highest achievements. Although nostalgia has its place in the whole story, this return is not focused on the past but on the future. We will get the first answers to many questions already on Monday at noon, when the first press conference of the new-old Rijeka coach is scheduled. HNK Rijeka fans can already be excited, as Kek's return has brought new hopes for success in the new season. Rijeka will try to secure a place among the best in the HNL, and with Kek at the helm, everything is possible. That's why the excitement felt among the fans is not just a reminder of the glorious days, but the hope that new successes could be just around the corner.