HNK Rijeka has started preparations for the new season in Slovenia. Matjaž Kek has taken 28 players to Kranjska Gora, including two new signings, Puljić and Ćubelić.

What do the preparations look like?

The preparations will be very demanding, as announced by assistant coach Mate Maleš. The focus will be on developing the game, attacking and defending phases, as well as improving physical capabilities.

HNK Rijeka finished last season in 4th place in the HNL, with 41 points, 11 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses in 29 games. The last result was a 2-0 win against HNK Gorica (2026-05-23).

What are the injuries?

Tornike Morchiladze and Alasana Samateh are injured and will not be able to participate in the preparations. Šimun Butić is likely to leave the club, as there is concrete interest from Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

What is the roster?

Here is the roster with which Kek, Maleš, Čop, Vargić & com. started their journey to Slovenia: | Position | Player | | --- | --- | | Goalkeepers | Aleksa Todorović, David Nwolokor, Domagoj Ivan Marić, Vito Kovač | | Defenders | Ante Oreč, Anel Husić, Ante Majstorović, Mladen Devetak, Noel Bodetić, Lovro Kitin, Viktor Vešligaj, Dimitri Legbo | | Midfielders | Tiago Dantas, Ivan Ćubelić, Justas Lasickas, Branko Pavić, Alfonso Barco, Simon Cletus, Dominic Iankov, Amer Gojak, Samuele Vignato | | Forwards | Jakov Puljić, Ante Matej Jurić, Daniel Adu Adjei, Cherno Saho, Dominik Thaqi, Gabrijel Rukavina, Goran Grulović

HNK Rijeka will play three friendly matches in Kranjska Gora, all starting at 17:30: Bravo (Saturday, June 27), Brinje Grosuplje (Tuesday, June 30), Radomlje (Thursday, July 3, the last day of their stay in Kranjska Gora).