Franko Kovačević: ‘Albert Riera changed how I see football – he unlocked me completely’

Franko Kovačević is enjoying the best spell of his career — and he says much of the credit goes to Albert Riera.

Once considered a Croatian wonderkid, Kovačević’s career took him across several clubs and countries before finding stability and form at Celje, where he’s been scoring freely this autumn. His resurgence has even earned him a spot on Croatia’s extended national team list for the upcoming fixtures.

Riera’s influence: a new way of thinking

“When I came to Celje, I picked number 11,” Kovačević told Germanijak.hr. “Coach Albert Riera threw me a shirt with number 9. He told me I wasn’t a winger, but a central striker. That’s how it started.”

According to the 26-year-old, Riera’s methods completely changed his approach to the game. “It’s important that a coach understands his player. I’ve had good coaches, but Riera knows everything, sees everything. It’s not just about position — it’s how he transfers his idea to you,” said Kovačević.

“When he tells you not to chase the ball but to attack space and focus only on goal, it changes how you see football. In two or three weeks, everything shifts. At 26, you think you know it all — then a Spaniard comes and tears down all your knowledge. You learn the details, the nuances, the movement. Maybe others master the theory, but Riera masters people.”

A leap of faith that paid off

Kovačević also mentioned Senijad Ibričić, who now works as his advisor and agent. “I was at Hoffenheim when Senijad called me. I had a good contract — few would give that up to move to Slovenia. But our conversation decided it. He told me to give up the deal and bet everything on myself. That’s how I came to Slovenia.”

Now, the striker’s focus is purely on the present. “Celje paid a fee for me, I have a three-year contract. The club decides. I’m not thinking about the future. I play, I score, I’m happy. When something concrete comes, we’ll talk.”