Proud Ståle: I cannot ask more of the players

F.C. Copenhagen manager Ståle Solbakken was delighted with his men after they pushed Manchester United all the way in the UEFA Europa League on Monday.

FCK forced extra time and could have nicked the win in the quarter-final tie, before Brno Fernandes scored from the spot to fire United through.

"Of course I was annoyed when we were so close, but I cannot ask for more from the players," said a proud Ståle.

"Every man has given himself completely, both physically and mentally, and we managed to stay in the match right to the very last.

"The first half hour we were very good, but then we drifted a bit towards the break, but came strong again in the second half. They had some chances, but not many big ones, and we maybe had the biggest when Bryan Oviedo was completely free, while they also had chances later on.

"The first 90 minutes were pretty even, but the first half of extra time was crucial, because here there was a big difference between the teams.

"We could no longer move our feet fast enough and they got going with their quick combinations, so Kalle Johnsson had to save us several times. We still managed to get in the opposition half with some set pieces and a few plays, which went back and forth a little bit.

"So as I said, it's a huge achievement that we managed to keep the tension going to the last minute. It's probably one of our best executed matches ever, considering the strength of the opponent.

"They played with pretty much all of their best players throughout the match, while we have some players who have never played at this level before and in that type of match.

"But everyone really made a persistent effort and we had some of the best players on the pitch tonight. Jens Stage and Carlos Zeca controlled very well, the back four did well, Jonas Wind was good again and Rasmus Falk was perhaps the best on the pitch.

"All in all, it was really a great team effort and a great performance."