Torkil Fosdal, FCK.DK

Thorup: Time to take Superliga form into Europe

09/03 2022 20:16

F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jess Thorup hopes the upwards curve in performances and results for the Lions since the winter break continues in Thursday's UEFA Europa Conference League clash with PSV.

FCK have won all three Danish Superliga fixtures this spring and play the first leg of the Conference League last-16 clash in Eindhoven on Thursday.

Thorup's troops will then welcome the Dutch side to Parken in a week's time.

And the head coach is keen to maintain the positive momentum gained from recent victories over OB, Viborg and Randers.

"I definitely hope so. I really have a good feeling when I look back at our last three games," says Thorup.

"Our curve is going up in terms of performances on the pitch, so I hope that we can put that into the game tomorrow night."

Asked about the step up in level to face a PSV side currently second in the Eredivisie, Thorup added: "Of course it is (a step up) but remember that it's also part of our goal: to be in Europe.

"I think for the club in general it's one of those evenings we're all looking forward to. We're playing against probably one of the better teams in Europe, and to compete against them to see where we – as individuals and as a club and a team – are at.

"It's a game we're looking forward to. We're not here just to get a view of how it is (at this stage), we're here for one thing and that is to win. We hope to get a good result tomorrow so we can have a good game in a week's time in Copenhagen, in a full stadium."

Kevin Diks og Nicolai Boilesen — Diks og Boilesen på Philips Stadion i Eindhoven. Foto: Torkil Fosdal, FCK.DK

The Lions topped Group F of the Conference League group stage, which meant the path to the last-16 bypassed the playoff knockout round.

Because of this, Thorup's troops have been able to play three Superliga fixtures before competing again in Europe. And the boss emphasised the importance of winning the group back in the autumn.

"It's been a really good European season so far," says Thorup. "Winning the group was one goal for us, so we could prepare during our winter break (knowing) that we would play on these dates.

"Now we're looking forward to taking the next step. We're playing against a strong opponent tomorrow but we're here for one thing and that's to try to win."