The criticism followed Rijeka's 3–1 defeat against regional rivals Istra 1961 at the Aldo Drosina Stadium in Pula. The visitors finished with just nine players after Jakov Puljić and captain Ante Majstorović were dismissed, allowing Istra to take advantage of their numerical superiority. Danish attacker Emil Frederiksen scored a hat-trick for the home side, while Toni Fruk registered Rijeka's only goal.
Although Mišković acknowledged that Rijeka had shown determination even when playing with fewer players, he made it clear that certain individual mistakes were unacceptable. His strongest criticism was directed towards Puljić, whose first-half dismissal left his teammates at a disadvantage for most of the encounter. The president also warned that other players have only a limited period to demonstrate that they can meet the club's expectations.
Puljić Faces Serious Consequences After Red Card
The most immediate consequences of the derby defeat concern 33-year-old striker Jakov Puljić, who was dismissed in the 26th minute following an incident involving Istra defender Mohamed Nasraoui. Referee Ivan Vukančić initially issued a yellow card, but a VAR review resulted in the decision being upgraded to a straight red after Puljić struck his opponent with his elbow.
Mišković was particularly disappointed because Puljić is an experienced player who had been given an opportunity to contribute to the team. Instead, his actions forced Rijeka to play almost 70 minutes with ten men, fundamentally changing the course of the match.
The president described the first dismissal as unforgivable and indicated that Puljić would face a substantial punishment. He also suggested that the striker might not return to action before the end of December, raising serious questions about his future at the club.
Mišković went further by suggesting that Puljić's representative should begin looking for another team. Although that statement does not amount to an officially completed transfer or contract termination, it represents a significant warning about the player's position within the squad.
The president adopted a somewhat different tone when discussing Ante Majstorović, who was dismissed in the 83rd minute after another incident involving Nasraoui. Mišković acknowledged that the defender had made a serious mistake but argued that the captain consistently demonstrates commitment and had probably reacted to provocation.
Nevertheless, both red cards were considered unacceptable by the club's leadership. The incidents undermined Rijeka's chances of securing a positive result and highlighted a lack of discipline that Kek will need to address.
Several Rijeka Players Have Two Months to Prove Themselves
Puljić is not the only player whose future has come under scrutiny. Mišković made it clear that several members of the squad have failed to justify the expectations associated with their arrival at Rujevica.
The president indicated that certain players have approximately one or two months to demonstrate substantial improvement. Those who fail to adapt to the club's demands could be allowed to leave when the winter transfer window opens.
His message was particularly directed towards footballers who have struggled to establish themselves despite receiving opportunities and financial support from the club. Mišković believes that players must accept responsibility for their performances rather than relying on the coaching staff or management to resolve every problem.
However, he refused to identify all the individuals whose positions are under review, explaining that the club must assess their contributions over a longer period rather than reacting solely to one disappointing match.
Mišković also emphasised that adapting to a new club requires commitment from the player. As an example, he referred to an Iranian international with World Cup experience, explaining that someone with such credentials should eventually become an important addition to Rijeka's squad.
The president acknowledged that new arrivals require time to settle into unfamiliar surroundings, but insisted that this period cannot continue indefinitely without improvement.
His comments suggest that Rijeka are considering a more demanding assessment of the squad before the winter transfer window. Players who demonstrate progress could remain important members of the team, while those who continue struggling may be made available for transfers.
Importantly, Mišković did not describe the process as an indiscriminate squad clear-out. Instead, he presented potential departures as part of the normal evaluation of players, their performances and the club's sporting needs.
Kek Retains Mišković's Confidence Despite Poor Results
Despite Rijeka's disappointing results, Mišković continues to express confidence in Matjaž Kek and his coaching staff. The president believes the Slovenian manager possesses the experience and tactical knowledge required to guide the club through its current difficulties.
During the radio appearance, Kek accepted responsibility for the team's performances and acknowledged that recent results had fallen below expectations. He also expressed disappointment with the disciplinary incidents against Istra, stressing that experienced players must demonstrate greater composure and responsibility.
The Croatian league campaign has been particularly frustrating because Rijeka have occasionally produced encouraging performances without maintaining that level consistently. Mišković pointed to matches against Varaždin and Istra as examples of encounters where the team showed promising qualities but failed to achieve the desired result.
Kek now faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence during the international break. The pause in domestic competition provides an opportunity to work on tactical organisation, improve defensive coordination and address the problems that have contributed to the team's inconsistent form.
For the coaching staff, restoring discipline will be particularly important. Rijeka's performance in Pula demonstrated that even a competitive tactical approach can be undermined by individual actions that leave the entire team at a disadvantage.
Mišković nevertheless remains optimistic that the situation can improve. He believes the squad contains enough quality to compete successfully in the Croatian championship and that a stronger collective mentality could help the team recover lost ground.
His public support also indicates that Rijeka's immediate response to the crisis is expected to focus on player responsibility and squad improvement rather than another coaching change.
Rijeka Fall Behind Hajduk and Dinamo
Rijeka's inconsistent results have left the club in sixth place in the SuperSport HNL standings with 18 points. The team trail league leaders Hajduk Split and second-placed Dinamo Zagreb, creating a difficult situation for a club accustomed to competing near the top of Croatian football.
The defensive record has become a particular concern. Rijeka have conceded 18 goals in 12 league matches, an unusually disappointing statistic for a team traditionally associated with organised defending and strong collective performances.
Mišković admitted that he had expected the club to collect approximately five or six more points by this stage of the season. However, he rejected the idea that Rijeka should automatically be considered failures unless they win the championship every year.
The president argued that Hajduk and Dinamo have demonstrated stronger form and deserve recognition for their performances. While Rijeka remain ambitious, he believes expectations should reflect the competitive nature of the league rather than assume the club must consistently finish ahead of financially stronger rivals.
His position does not mean the club have abandoned their ambitions. Instead, Rijeka must first stabilise their performances, reduce defensive mistakes and improve the contributions of players who have not yet fulfilled expectations.
The winter transfer window could therefore become an important opportunity to reshape the squad. Mišković indicated that Rijeka would consider selling players when suitable offers arrive and recruiting replacements in positions where the team requires improvement.
Any changes will depend on the club's financial and sporting priorities, but the president's comments suggest that performances during the remainder of the autumn campaign could influence several players' futures.
Winter Transfer Window Could Bring Changes
The coming weeks will provide an important test of Rijeka's response to the criticism. Players who have struggled for form must demonstrate that they can meet the club's expectations, while Kek and his coaching staff will be expected to improve results without losing the confidence of the dressing room.
For Puljić, the situation is particularly serious. His dismissal against Istra has attracted direct criticism from the president, and the possibility of a prolonged absence could complicate his efforts to regain a regular place in the team.
Other squad members have received a broader warning. Mišković believes that professional footballers must take responsibility for adapting to their environment and contributing consistently, particularly when the club has invested significant resources in assembling the squad.
The international break offers a valuable opportunity to reset, but Rijeka's longer-term recovery will depend on improvements when competitive football resumes. Defensive discipline, attacking efficiency and greater consistency away from home will all be essential if the team hope to move up the standings.
The president's support for Kek provides a measure of stability, although it also increases the importance of the players responding positively to the coach's demands.
Damir Mišković's warning represents a significant moment in Rijeka's difficult season. Jakov Puljić faces serious consequences following his dismissal against Istra, while several other players have been given a limited period to justify their positions at the club. With Matjaž Kek retaining the president's backing, Rijeka's immediate priority is to restore discipline, confidence and consistency before the winter transfer window potentially brings significant changes to the squad.
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