Neestrup reflects on weekend friendlies
F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup drew plenty of positives from the Lions' two friendly matches played over the weekend during the winter training camp in La Manga.
Two goals for Jordan Larsson and a Viktor Claesson strike earned FCK a 3-0 win over Silkeborg on Saturday. A day later, a much-changed Lions side narrowly lost 1-0 to Elche.
Reflecting on the Silkeborg win, Neestrup said: "I think we looked solid, both without the ball and also with the ball, where we created a lot of chances.
"We probably had eight or nine big chances, and we scored three goals, so we are of course satisfied with that.
"All in all, I think we have played four good games so far. One against Lyngby, two against Viborg and one against Silkeborg, where we give very little away and created a lot of chances, so that is positive.
"There are several players who performed well and we just have to continue to improve."
Discussing Larsson's double on Saturday, Neestrup added: "Jordan has of course been a little frustrated with me occasionally leaving him out, but he's a man who never gives up, and he's clearly one of those who's had a really good start so far, and he also scored two great goals today and did many other good things."
A day later and a different FCK XI took to the field to face Elche, and despite the defeat Neestrup was generally positive about the display.
“Overall it went well, but there was a period at the end of the first half when we had to fight a lot.
“We were the second best team on the pitch, but I think we came back well after that and managed to make it an even match, given the conditions.
“We got some other answers as coaches too. If we take the youngsters first, it’s a fantastic match for them to play. It’s the first time in their careers that they really have to stand on their own feet and get to know senior football at this level.
“We also got to see some of the established players in a different context, where they had to take on a different responsibility and leadership, which they don’t have to in the same way if there are some of the other more experienced players around them.
“Who knows, you could also risk being in a situation like this in a competitive match. The best example I can give of something like this is the derby we won at Brøndby Stadium a year and a half ago, where we had ten men out for one reason or another, and we had no centre-backs and came with a team that had never played together and with some in unfamiliar roles. We won that match 3-1 and that was one of the reasons why we won the championship in 2023.
“So that’s also why it was a good training match today, because as a coach you find out who you can trust and who jumps into the lifeboat. And today, fortunately, no one took the lifeboat, but everyone just kept on going, old and young."
FCK face AGF in a final training game on Saturday but preparations turn to the UEFA Conference League playoff with FC Heidenheim on 13 February. The first leg is at home in Parken, and tickets are still available for the clash.
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