Hatzidiakos: We need to be ready for Chelsea

F.C. Copenhagen defender Pantelis Hatzidiakos says he can't wait to get started on Thursday evening when this Lions host Chelsea in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 clash.

Parken is a sell-out for the match, which kicks off at 6:45pm.

Hatzidiakos featued in seven of FCK's European games during qualifying and the group stage, and is raring to go.

"It's a great game but for us it's another chance to improve ourselves against a huge club with great players," he said. "We need to be ready in everything we do and be prepared.

"From my experience playing against big players, they are always ready and have a lot of knowledge of the game. You need to be ready, take good positions. They don't like it when you're tight and don't have much time – they struggle as well. So it's important for us to bring the right intensity."

FCK drew at Aalborg at the weekend but have lost just once since returning from the winter break. Parken will be full for Thursday's showdown and Hatzidiakos is looking forward to the atmosphere.

"Like I said when I came here, I look forward to the big European nights. It's going to be one of those of course. It depends how it will go but I'm looking forward to it," he added.

"For me this is the first half, and at Stamford Bridge it's the second half. You play your game like you want to win and when you have the chance to win you do it."