Matjaž Kek (foto: Getty Images)
Croatian outlets have contacted former Slovenia coach Matjaž Kek amid growing speculation linking him with Dinamo Zagreb. Kek responded to the rumours and clarified his position.
Matjaž Kek, now a free agent after ending his second spell with the Slovenia national team, has quickly become a central figure in fresh speculation on the Croatian football scene. Reports linking him back to Croatia, where he previously coached Rijeka, have resurfaced — and Dinamo Zagreb is once again mentioned as a possible destination.
Kek stepped down earlier this month after seven years in charge of Slovenia, a period in which he guided the team to the European Championship and into the knockout stage. While the Slovenian FA (NZS) has not yet named his successor, conversations around Kek are increasingly shifting toward club football — especially in Croatia.
During his earlier stint in the Prva HNL, Kek built a strong reputation with Rijeka, winning the league title and consistently challenging Dinamo Zagreb. Over the years, he has often been linked with Dinamo, as well as with the Croatian national team. Those rumours have resurfaced again at a moment when Dinamo, currently led by Mario Kovačević, is facing pressure and uncertainty. Club legend Zvonimir Boban is reportedly evaluating long-term solutions should a change become necessary.
Croatian media reached out to Kek for comment. He was clear:
“There has been no contact, and I wouldn’t have responded anyway, because I was still the coach of my country. That’s the first thing. The second thing is that Dinamo already have a coach, a man I respect a lot for many reasons. What kind of person would I be if I started talking publicly about this? Kovačević is doing his job, and how he is doing it will be judged within the club.”
Even if there had been contact, Kek says he would not discuss it publicly:
“I know how I would feel if someone kept hinting at something about my job. No, I won’t talk much about Dinamo. I was never in contact with the club while I was Slovenia coach, and that hasn’t changed since the day I left the national team bench.”
He added:
“Dinamo is an institution. It would be very improper of me to comment, give advice, or advertise myself. I know how things look from the other side.”
Despite the denials, Kek did not firmly close the door on Dinamo Zagreb — a signal that speculation is unlikely to fade anytime soon.