Thorup: We can improve further after OB win
F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jess Thorup believes there is more to come from his side following Sunday's 2-0 victory over Odense BK that lifts the Lions to the top of the Danish Superliga.
Thorup was able to field a number of new singings in Parken on the return to the Superliga following the winter break.
Pep Biel and Khouma Babacar's goes ensured it was a winning return to the national stadium, where 26,255 fans braved the weather to cheer on the Lions.
And Thorup is pleased to get the crucial victory.
"We didn't play our best match today, but we got the most important thing, which is three points - and also a clean sheet," says Thorup.
"OB must get credit for coming over here and playing a brave match, and in the first half we were too stretched as a team and had to track back a lot when they played past our two central midfielders.
"We didn't get enough out of ourselves. But we adjusted some things during the break and were more compact in the second half. Sometimes football is about reacting to what the opponent does.
"I also don't we gave them too many chances after the break, but I must also highlight goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, who had one of his best matches since he joined us."
Denis Vavro made his second debut for FCK after rejoining the team in January, and created Babacar's goal with a fine run down the ring wing.
"He gave everything today and also threw himself in front of an OB chance at the end," says Thorup. "I think it was the fight and attitude that characterised the team today, in a game that didn't always go as we would have wanted.
"Our bench also made a difference today, and it is important to emphasise that the team doesn't only consist of the 11 starters. Roony Bardghji and William Bøving, who finished the autumn really well, lacked some quality today, but then we can put Rasmus Falk in, and Paul Mukairu came on and did really well.
"As for Babacar - he does what he has to do, and he definitely provides more opportunities in our attacking play with his power and physique in the field. So that way we got answers to some of the questions we faced before this game."
The win sees FCK move up to first in the Danish Superliga table but the season is yet to even split in two.
And Thorup isn't getting too carried away about leading the pack.
"First place means a lot to many of us, and that's great, but I also said before the match that the most important thing is to be No. 1 at the end of May," says the head coach.
"There are still 14 matches left, and it's just a matter of focusing on ourselves and winning our battles, and not so much about what the opponents do.
"But with the fantastic support we got today, we can go a long way. For there to be over 26,000 in this weather, and even when we don't play amazing football like today, they backed us up all the way."
Next up for FCK is a trip to Viborg FF on Sunday, kick off at 4pm.