Bessone: We Want to Bring the Fans Back to the Stadium

 

We return to Velika Gorica on Saturday, this time for a 6:30 p.m. kick-off. In our second consecutive away match to open the new season, we will face Zagreb side Rudeš. Ahead of the game, our head coach Federico Bessone addressed the media, thanking everyone for their congratulations following our impressive winning performance against Gorica.

This is now the most difficult task for me as a coach. We delivered an excellent performance in the opening match, but it was only the first game. It would be a big mistake if we relaxed now. We have to maintain the same level of performance and determination. We are preparing for a different kind of match because Rudeš is a completely different challenge compared to Gorica.

Asked whether he is the type of coach who prefers to keep the same starting eleven after a strong performance and a victory, Bessone replied:

I’m not a coach who has just one starting eleven. Those who started against Gorica and those who came on in the second half all performed equally well. I’ve said several times that I want to give this team personality. The key to what we want is exactly what we showed in the opening round – when we score one goal, we go for the next one, and then the next. I’m a brave coach. I see the potential this squad has, and that makes my decisions much easier.

The coach stressed there is no room for complacency

The head coach also praised the work being done in training and the atmosphere around Opus Arena following the opening victory, while warning that the team must continue in the same manner.

The win against Gorica is a huge boost for all of us. We have this stadium, the best training conditions in Croatia, incredible supporters… In that context, it was extremely important to win the opening match and show people that we had done quality work during pre-season. Our confidence is where it needs to be, but I told the boys that they cannot relax. They have to stay focused on what lies ahead.

Although the Zagreb side are newcomers to the top flight, Bessone made it clear they possess qualities that deserve respect.

You all know that we want to bring our supporters back to the stadium and earn their trust, and the best way to do that is through consistent performances and good results. Rudeš may have just been promoted to the HNL, but there is absolutely no room for complacency. If we don’t fight for every ball, that would be the biggest mistake we could make. They are physically strong and very competitive. Above all, we have to play smart, show aggression and be ready for their quick transitions. We cannot afford to give the ball away cheaply in midfield. Their greatest strength is their intensity and running power.

Trust in young players – but they have to earn it

Federico has shown that he is willing to throw even under-18 players into the action, such as Jona Ježić, who impressed in the opening round.

From the very beginning, I said I wanted to play with young players, provided they prove they are ready. It might have been easier to put Petrusenko into midfield, but I felt Ježić was ready for his role. He showed he has that personality, and the same applies to all the other young players – it’s up to them to show us that they deserve a place in the starting eleven.

How close does our head coach feel the team is to meeting the standards he expects from his players?

I’m very happy with the squad we have. Of course, we still need to keep working on certain details, but overall I’m satisfied. My job is to maintain this level of quality, not only in terms of football, but mentally as well.

Finally, our head coach was asked about the new role he has given Domagoj Bukvić as a playmaker in midfield.

Bukvić has already shown that he can play in almost every position – perhaps the only exception is goalkeeper. Everywhere else, he adapts perfectly. He has tremendous quality and a great understanding of the game. For me as a coach, it’s fantastic to have a player I can use wherever the team needs him most at any given moment.

One step at a time against Rudeš

Osijek and Rudeš have faced each other 12 times in HNL history. Osijek have won nine of those matches, with two draws and one defeat, while holding a 27–11 goal difference. Away from home, we have beaten them four times, with these encounters often producing plenty of goals. Perhaps the most memorable and dramatic meeting came in July 2023, when we claimed a 4–3 comeback victory after turning the match around in the second half.

However, previous results will count for very little on Saturday. Another challenge awaits the White-and-Blues, where the key ingredients will once again be the right mentality, full concentration, and executing everything the team has been working on throughout the week. The squad remains focused on its process and continued development, taking things one step at a time, backed by the support of the fans, whose encouragement in the opening-round victory in Velika Gorica meant a great deal.