Albert Riera’s European Comeback with NK Celje

Albert Riera’s reputation as a manager continues to grow as his new side, NK Celje, pulled off a dramatic European comeback this week. After a nomadic career that saw him work in seven different countries, Riera is making his mark as a manager.

Riera’s Pathway Off the Field

Though a former Spain international who worked under Rafa Benitez, his pathway off the field has been less illuminated than the likes of Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso. Two spells as assistant at Galatasaray then led Riera back to Slovenia, where he ended his playing career – first in charge at Olimpija Ljubljana and now Celje. A tumultuous exit from Olimpija – after winning the double, no less – did little to halt his momentum, and now he is leading Celje into Europe.

Celje’s Unlikely European Comeback

On Thursday, the PrvaLiga club produced an unlikely comeback to knock Vitoria de Guimaraes out of the Europa Conference League at the second qualifying round. Vitoria went into the two-legged tie 252 places above Celje in UEFA’s rankings, and the first leg ended in a 4-3 win for the Portuguese side. The odds were stacked against Celje despite scoring three at home, having only won three times on the road in Europe in their history. But a second-half strike from Gregor Bajde levelled the tie on aggregate and eventually earned a penalty shootout – which Celje won 4-2.

Riera’s Progressive Style of Play

“What an achievement boys!” Riera wrote on Twitter after the triumph. “HOW you have played makes me believe in you. Don’t stop improving, the best is yet to come.” The 41-year-old gained admirers for his work at Olimpija as he employed a progressive, free-flowing style of play, which he has now translated to Celje. It enhances his reputation as a young manager which, if his success continues, will no doubt attract interest from elsewhere in Europe.

Celje’s Next Challenge

Next up in Celje’s bid to qualify for the Europa Conference League is a two-legged clash with Belarusian outfit FC Neman Grodno on August 10 and 17. If they win that, they will then face either Bodo/Glimt or FC Pyunik in the playoff round, to determine a place in the group stage.

Albert Riera’s European comeback with NK Celje has been nothing short of remarkable. His progressive style of play has earned him admirers and, if his success continues, will no doubt attract interest from elsewhere in Europe. With a two-legged clash against FC Neman Grodno coming up, it will be interesting to see if Riera can lead Celje to the group stage of the Europa Conference League.