Adrian Guľa before the match against Kairat: “We are not here just to enjoy it”

For Černomordijs, who has been with Riga FC since the club’s early years, reaching the league phase carries particular significance after several unsuccessful attempts to qualify for a major European competition.

“Of course, it’s a historic occasion, both for the club and for me personally,” the Latvian international said. “I’ve been at the club since the very beginning, and we’ve come close several times. I remember when the Conference League was first introduced and we lost in the play-offs. It was very painful because our goal every year was to reach this stage. Now we’ve finally achieved it, and everyone is happy and looking forward to tomorrow’s debut.”

The Riga captain also acknowledged the quality of Kairat, highlighting the Kazakh club’s European experience and their remarkable achievement of reaching the Champions League main phase last season. Nevertheless, Černomordijs believes the visitors are opponents Riga can compete against.

Guľa echoed his captain’s excitement, describing qualification as the culmination of years of work throughout the club.

“This club deserves it because for ten years it has tried to build something strong,” the Slovak coach said. “We had some luck, but we also showed quality and team spirit to reach the league phase. Finally, we are here.”

However, Guľa insisted that Riga’s ambitions extend beyond simply participating in the competition. “We are not here just to enjoy it, but fight for victory in every game. We have six finals ahead of us, but we need to go step by step. The first step is tomorrow.”

The coach also emphasised the role of the supporters, recalling the atmosphere during Riga’s European qualifying campaign and the growing attendances at Skonto Stadium.

“We have seen 1,500 supporters, then 2,000, then 3,000, and in the last game there were 7,000. I hope tomorrow we will feel that energy again, and that it can help bring Riga FC their first historic victory.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the occasion, Riga face several selection concerns, particularly in defence.

Andres Salazar is suspended, while Paolo Eduardo is unavailable through injury, leaving Maksims Toņiševs and Raivis Andris Jurkovskis as the main options in the wing-back positions. However, Guľa confirmed that Baba Musah has recovered sufficiently to be available for selection.

“Baba Musah is fit and will be available tomorrow,” Guľa confirmed. “We can keep our strong system with three central defenders and wing-backs, or we can change the formation. We need to be ready to react during the game.”

The Slovak also acknowledged that Riga might need to adjust their usual attacking approach against opponents with significant European experience.

Guľa emphasized that while attacking football remains central to his philosophy, his side must avoid becoming predictable or leaving themselves exposed defensively.

“We have information about Kairat. They are a very good team with quality, and I have big respect for them. But we also need to keep our strengths,” he explained. “That doesn’t mean we will attack naively. To achieve a good result, we need to show quality in attack, defence and transitions, as well as set pieces and physical performance.”

The coach pointed to Riga’s European qualifying matches against KI Klaksvik and Gyor as examples of the importance of defensive organisation and balance.

He also warned his players against allowing the occasion to affect their concentration, particularly after Riga’s impressive home performances during qualification.

“We need to stay humble. We have beaten every opponent at Skonto, but this is a new game and a new competition. We need to remain a strong team with discipline, mentality and character,” Guľa said. “Sometimes you have to accept a draw. It’s different from qualification, but our focus must be on performance. If we perform at a high level, that gives us the opportunity to win.”

Another question surrounding Riga’s preparations concerns the goalkeeping position. Gul’a has two experienced options in Frenks Orols and recent arrival Kenan Piric, while homegrown goalkeeper Mārcis Kazainis is also included in the European squad.

The coach declined to reveal who would start against Kairat, praising the contributions of both leading candidates. “Frenks helped bring us to the league phase, and Kenan has come in and performed well. Both deserve to play. We will see who starts tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, Orlando Galo remains sidelined with an injury that could keep him out for several weeks. Guľa explained that the club is considering its options regarding a potential replacement in the European squad, depending on the length of the player’s absence and UEFA regulations.

The match tomorrow inside the Skonto Stadium will start 19:45 Baltic time.