NK Osijek entered the into 2008-09 Season defending third position, which is equal to their best position in Prva HNL won six times since Croatian independence.

The team decided not to participate in the UEFA Intertoto Cup which would make preparations for the new season harder than usual, as happened two years ago.

To prepare for the Season, NK Osijek played a few friendly matches against 1.

As the club's youth academy is one of the best in this part of Europe, several young players are drafted into the first team squad.

Supplier: LegeaSponsor(s): Croatia Osiguranje Source: [citation needed]