It Was Important to Test the Players from Our Academy

Osijek played their final pre-season friendly in Slovenia ahead of the official start of the new campaign.

Our team took on Turkish Super Lig side Rizespor in Radomlje, just outside Ljubljana, in what was undoubtedly the toughest test of the summer preparations. One of the standout facts before kick-off was that no fewer than six players from our Academy started the match: Malenica, Kolarik, Ježić, Farkaš, Bukvić and Omerović. Relying on homegrown talent remains one of the cornerstones of our sporting strategy, a philosophy that head coach Bessone continues to embrace.

The coaching staff will certainly take valuable conclusions from this final dress rehearsal, both regarding the positive aspects of the performance and the areas that can still be improved. That is precisely what pre-season is for, before the focus shifts entirely to the domestic league campaign. Against a strong opponent, Osijek created numerous chances, particularly in the first half, when the White-and-Blues looked the more dangerous side and were only missing a goal to reward their display.

There was plenty of quality football on show. A well-worked move involving Heister, Ježić and finally Omerović ended with Nail firing just over the crossbar. Our striker then had another opportunity after being picked out by Farkaš, but unfortunately failed to hit the target. Kolarik also came close with a header from Bukvić's cross, but the score remained unchanged. At the other end, Sowe threatened with a header, only for Malenica to produce an excellent save. Osijek fashioned another promising opportunity right before half-time when Farkaš found Balelo inside the penalty area, but the Portuguese midfielder saw his effort blocked. Then, in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, Rizespor capitalised on their best chance of the half, with Varešanović finding the net.

The visitors doubled their lead immediately after the restart when Bukvić was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area following a cross, and Laci converted the resulting penalty. A few minutes later, Kutucu struck the post. In the 60th minute, Ayan produced a precise finish into the left corner to make it 3-0 for Rizespor.

Osijek pulled a goal back in the 76th minute. Mustafić delivered an excellent cross and Leon rose superbly to head the ball into the left corner for the final score of 3-1. It was also Armand's first goal for Osijek.

Osijek lined up as follows: Malenica, Mustafić, Kolarik, Jelenić (75' Hasić), Heister (46' Dolček), Vrbančić (78' Petrusenko), Farkaš (61' Mikolčić), Ježić (61' Jakupović), Bukvić (78' Kalem), Omerović (61' Ljatifi), Balelo (75' Leon).

Although the result did not go Osijek's way this time, the key takeaway from this final pre-season test lies in what the team and coaching staff gained from the performance. Against quality opposition, especially during the opening 45 minutes, Osijek demonstrated that they can create chances and pose a genuine attacking threat. The Academy players were given significant playing time, providing them with invaluable experience.

Another stage of preparations has now come to an end, allowing the coaching staff to test different tactical options and gain a clearer picture of the squad ahead of what matters most—the start of the new HNL season.

From Monday, the focus turns fully to competitive football. Osijek begin their league campaign on Saturday, 25 July, with an away fixture against Gorica.