Mattsson: We're living up to the pressure

F.C. Copenhagen's Magnus Mattsson tasted his first derby victory on Sunday but is already looking ahead to Thursday's crunch tie with FC Midtjylland in Parken.

The Lions beat Brøndby 3-1 at the weekend to move top of the Danish Superliga on goal difference. FCM are level on points, with BIF and FC Nordsjælland both two just points behind.

"It was a great experience!" says Mattsson. "But it was also an important time to win, and a great match and atmosphere… although of course it's better to play in the Park."

"The win was important now that there are only three games left. We knew very well that we couldn't afford to lose, because then it would be very difficult. That's how it was in the last couple of matches against Silkeborg and AGF too, we're playing in finals every game at the moment.

"But so far we have lived up to the pressure that has been put on us and hopefully we can do the same on Thursday against Midtjylland."

The Danish Superliga table split into two after 22 games, with the top six competing over 10 more match rounds to determine the champions.

Rarely does the league have four teams competing for the title with three matches remaining and Mattsson is looking forward to upcoming ties with FCM, AGF and Nordsjælland.

"When you play for FCK it is natural to have a lot of pressure, and in any case I know that this team has been in the situation before when it all comes to a head," he adds.

"We have many players who have really good experience of what is needed in these situations, and we have brought in new players too, like me for example, who are incredibly hungry to win a first title in our careers. It's good mix, which means we are in a good position before the last three games, where it will all be decided."

On Sunday, Mattsson played in central midfield alongside William Clem in a 3-4-3 formation. As this analysis shows, the pair made just four incomplete passes in open play all game.