Zeca: Hungry for Europe

F.C. Copenhagen captain Carlos Zeca knows the challenge at hand for the Lions on Thursday as they kick off their UEFA Europa Conference League qualification campaign at home to Torpedo-BelAz Zhodino in Parken Stadium on Thursday.

FCK face the Belarusian side in the first leg of their second qualifying round clash, having drawn 2-2 on the opening day of the 3F Superliga on Sunday.

"Everyone knows we have to go out and show that we are hungry to reach the group stage this season," said Zeca.

"F.C. Copenhagen is a club that must be on the international stage, and therefore we must be concentrated and professional in these matches, where we are favourites, but where the opponents will do everything to make it difficult for us.

"The goal of the match in Parken is definitely to ensure a result that helps us progress over the tie. Therefore, we must dominate from the start and maintain a pace that they'll find difficult to match."

Players must be ready to give everything
Zeca was back in action against AaB after being in isolation with Covid-19 during pre-season. And the captain is ready to keep going as the summer rolls on.

"I think I've done well and I'm ready to play if Jess (Thorup) selects me," said Zeca.

"We want to win the championship, the cup and reach the group stage in Europe, and that requires a deep squad. Everyone must be ready to give everything and give our coaches as many choices as possible.

"We didn't get the start we wanted on Sunday, but we have put that behind us now and have important challenges ahead of us in a tight programme. It is an exciting time of the season and having fans back in the ground certainly raises the energy.

"Now we have to pay them back and it has to start with a victory on Thursday night."

You can still buy F.C. Copenhagen tickets for the match via billet.fck.dk