Thorup: Result sets us up for next week
F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jess Thorup was pleased with the performance of his players after the 1-1 draw with Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round on Thursday.
But the boss believes the win was there for the taking, and that the result sets up a tantalising reverse leg in Parken next week.
"All in all, it's a good result to leave here with a draw when you look at the circumstances, but the players are obviously disappointed that we didn't win, when we had the chances for it," said Thorup, whose side earned the points thanks to Pep Biel's second-half free kick.
"I think they delivered a fine, disciplined performance and followed the game plan we had laid out, and we had to reorganise after we went behind from a random penalty.
"But we fought back well, and those who came in off the bench did well. We equalised through Pep's great free kick and created chances to secure the victory, including a penalty. So of course it's a shame we didn't win, but all in all I think it is a good result so we can finish the work in Parken in a week."
Biel's goal came following sustained pressure from the Lions. But the Spaniard admits he can't think about his strike too much, with Sunday's derby against Brøndby on the horizon.
"Of course I'm happy to come in and score, it always gives me confidence to get a goal, and I helped the team to a result," he said.
"It was important that we at least got a draw and I'm sure we'll finish the job in a week.
"But first we just have a derby on Sunday, which we now have to go home and prepare for."
Jonas Wind also spoke to FCK.dk after the game and is confident the Lions can get the job done next week.
"It's an OK result that sets us up well for the return match," he said.
"Had we scored a second from one of our many chances, it would have looked really good. It was a difficult pitch and it was hot, but all in all we got out of it with a draw and, as I said, we got a result we can build on."