CV: Champions v Cup winners

by Carsten V. Jensen, Director of Sport

In many countries this match acts as a prelude to a new season, where the current league champions meet the national cup winners from the previous season. Therefore there is a little bit extra at stake in Saturday's showdown between FC Copenhagen and FC Nordsjælland, who for the past two seasons have won the DBU cup.

Fighting FCN will be our fifth match in only 14 days – including the game against West Ham United – four of which have been played in PARKEN. The club coaches and players have had a flying start to the season and have barely had time for anything else than playing and resting before moving on to further match preparation. This situation means that while the first goal is to gain a victory during the game, Roland and his coaching staff are constantly trying to develop the team and their style of play in a positive direction.

Therefore, this year's start to the league with a victory away against SønderjyskE and a draw against second-place Odense in terms of results have been positive. During the games we've been strong and in large periods dominant, but perhaps we are missing the rewards our effort deserves in terms of goals.

FC Nordsjælland, like Copenhagen, changed their coach during pre-season, and it will be exciting to see Kasper Hjulmand put his mark on the team in the future. In the squad FCN have acquired Mikkel Beckmann from Randers, and I wonder if we will get to see him in action on Saturday, along with big names such as Andreas Bjelland and Adu.

Play wise, Nordsjælland have began the season with an OK start, although the north Zealanders are probably not entirely satisfied with their single point yielded from two games.

Again we need everyone in PARKEN to make every effort to create an inspiring atmosphere around the pitch and make sure that the boys get the best possible support in the match against Nordsjælland. Moreover, I reserve high praise from all who were in PARKEN on Wednesday for the match against Shamrock Rovers and especially to everyone in the Lower B Stand, who showed how fans back their team, even when it isn’t running smoothly.

To all spectators, welcome to PARKEN; as well as players and the coaching staff from Nordsjælland, and the official quartet.