The Future of Rijeka: A Conversation with Damir Miskovic
Damir Miskovic,the long-standing leader of HNK rijeka,recently sat down with Sportske novosti to discuss the club’s past,present,and future. The conversation touched on a range of topics, from the club’s infrastructure and potential sale to the state of Croatian football pitches and the unwavering support of rijeka’s passionate fanbase.
Miskovic expressed his frustration with the lack of public support for the club’s infrastructure development. While other cities readily invest in their football clubs, Rijeka’s private ownership has left Miskovic shouldering the financial burden of stadium and training ground construction. He questioned the logic of this situation, highlighting the social importance of Rijeka, akin to Dinamo Zagreb or Hajduk Split.Despite the challenges, Miskovic remains open to selling the club if the right investor emerges, someone who can maintain or elevate Rijeka’s standing. He envisions a collaborative approach,involving local businesses and fans,to create a sustainable 10-year plan for the club’s future.
The conversation also delved into the ongoing Kantrid stadium project. Miskovic emphasized his role in securing the necessary zoning changes, but stressed that the city now holds the reins. He expressed hope for a swift resolution, noting that other cities are actively pursuing stadium construction without relying on private investment.
Miskovic,also the vice president of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS),voiced his concern over the deplorable condition of some HNL pitches. He believes that clubs should be held accountable for maintaining proper playing surfaces, suggesting that licenses should be contingent on adequate facilities.
Throughout the interview, Miskovic repeatedly emphasized the crucial role of Rijeka’s fans. Their unwavering support, even during challenging times, has been a source of strength and motivation. He acknowledged the presence of dissenting voices but stressed that the vast majority of fans understand the club’s challenges and remain optimistic about its future.
Miskovic’s interview paints a picture of a club leader grappling with complex issues, navigating financial constraints, and striving to secure a bright future for Rijeka. His commitment to the club and its fans is evident, as is his desire to see Rijeka reach its full potential.
The Future of Rijeka: A Conversation with Damir Miskovic
Welcome back to “Inside the Pitch,” where we delve into the heart of the gorgeous game. Today, we’re joined by a man who needs little introduction in Croatian football: Damir Miskovic, the long-standing leader of HNK Rijeka.
Damir, thank you for joining us. You’ve been incredibly candid in recent interviews regarding the challenges facing HNK Rijeka.
LetS start with the elephant in the room: the club’s stadium situation. You’ve expressed frustration with the lack of public investment in infrastructure growth. Can you elaborate on that and why you feel Rijeka’s standing as a titan of Croatian football doesn’t match the city’s support for the club?
Miskovic: Let’s be clear, I’m not criticizing the city of Rijeka or its residents. We have a tremendously passionate fanbase, and their support is truly invaluable. My frustration stems from the disparity in public investment compared to other Croatian cities.Look at Zagreb and Split, where their clubs enjoy significant public backing for infrastructure projects. We, as a club with a rich history and consistent success, haven’t received the same level of support. Our training ground and stadium projects rely heavily on private investment, which is simply not sustainable in the long term.
Interesting point, Damir. So, are you saying that the potential sale of the club is a direct result of this lack of support, or are there other factors at play?
Miskovic: It’s certainly a massive contributing factor. running a professional football club is no small feat.
the financial burden of construction and maintenance, coupled with the competitive landscape of Croatian football, requires significant resources.
Selling the club is not my preferred outcome, but if the right investor emerges – someone who shares our vision for Rijeka’s future and is
willing to commit long-term – then it becomes a viable option.
That brings us to your vision for the future of Rijeka. You’ve mentioned wanting to involve local businesses and fans in a 10-year plan.
Can you outline what that would entail and how you see it benefiting the club and the community?
Miskovic: Absolutely. This isn’t just about building a new stadium or upgrading facilities; it’s about creating a sustainable model that benefits everyone involved. Imagine a scenario where local businesses leverage Rijeka’s brand for marketing, where fans have a genuine stake in the club’s success, and where our youth academy becomes a pipeline of talent for Croatian football. This 10-year plan would be a collaborative effort, outlining clear objectives, timelines, and responsibilities, ensuring that Rijeka is not only a football club but a cornerstone of the community.
We’ve concentrated on the club itself, but your role as Vice President of the Croatian Football Federation also raises some concerns about the state of pitches across the league. How dire is the situation, and what concrete steps are you taking to address it?
Miskovic: The condition of some HNL pitches is, frankly, embarrassing. It’s unacceptable for professional footballers to have to compete on poorly maintained surfaces. I strongly believe that clubs should be held accountable for providing proper playing conditions. We are exploring the possibility of making pitch licenses contingent on meeting certain standards. This might seem radical, but it’s necessary to ensure the integrity and professionalism of our league.
let’s talk about the Rijeka fanbase. You’ve repeatedly expressed your admiration for their unwavering support. How important is that support to you personally,and how do you see them contributing to the club’s future success?
Miskovic: To be honest,the fans are what keep me going. Their passion, their loyalty, even in challenging times, fuels my determination.They understand the club’s ambitions, and they share our vision for a brighter future.
I firmly believe that their involvement, their voices, are crucial in shaping that future. this is their club as much as it is mine.
What do you think, readers? Is Damir miskovic’s vision for the future of HNK Rijeka realistic? Could a more collaborative approach involving communities and businesses truly elevate Rijeka to the next level?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
