FCK Weekly News: 6th – 13th September
By Joe Short
With the international break imposing on the Superliga fixtures last weekend, it was down to the FCK reserve squad to show what they were made of on Monday afternoon.
The squad travelled to Lyngby to battle through a 2-2 draw, handing newly signed Søren Frederiksen an unofficial debut for the club. But the game itself was not smooth running. After a quarter of an hour the Lions found themselves 2-0 down, and seemed to struggle throughout the first half to create chances.
However, with ten minutes to go FCK finally broke the Lyngby defence thanks to a Bryan Oviedo drive. Three minutes later and a long throw into the box caused havoc the in home side’s defence, and Mikael Antonsson was on hand to jab the ball past the Lyngby keeper.
European respite
After the game, Jesper Grønkjaer was the special guest on the Lion Hour podcast, where the winger discussed FCK’s chances in the UEFA Champions League:
- We needed a break and to breathe again after Rosenborg-match, stated Grønkjaer, reflecting on the intensity of Champions League qualification, and the blessing of the international break for the fatigue levels of the first team.
Carsten V. Jensen, FC Copenhagen’s Sports Director, was on hand on Thursday to comment on the recent weeks since the clubs qualification to the Champions League. Jensen reiterated a desire from fans and staff alike for FCK to be regularly competitive both domestically and in Europe:
- The assumption that this year we are in the UEFA Champions League group stage is of course that we, in the previous season, performed well in domestic league and earned the club's eighth championship. We have in recent years developed the ability to perform both nationally and internationally - most recently demonstrated by us shortly after the triumph against Rosenborg BK, where we traveled to Horsens and played solidly with a 2-1 victory to follow.
Keep domestic focus
Although FCK’s inclusion into Europe’s top club competition is a major focus of interest, one eye must be kept on the domestic league. On Saturday Copenhagen faced bottom of the league Silkeborg IF at PARKEN, in front of 13,000 spectators. Regardless of table standings, the match was competitive throughout, and at half time FCK found themselves a goal down.
The score line got worse just minutes after the restart, as Silkeborg attacked quickly to surprise the Lions’ defence, Kaimar Saag beating Johan Wiland to the throughball to double the Silkeborg cushion.
A quick response from FCK was needed, and it was duly found as first Cesar Santin and then Dame N’Doye bagged goals to level the scores before the hour mark. Santin will not get an easier chance all season after a spilled Martin Vingaard effort left the goal gaping in front of the Brazilian, while N’Doye was in the perfect position to flick on an Oscar Wendt cross into the far corner of the net.
The week ahead
Despite increased Copenhagen pressure the game ended 2-2, a thoroughly deserved point for both teams. Now the Danish champions must turn their concentration away from the Superliga to their clash in the Champions League against Rubin Kazan this coming Tuesday at PARKEN.
The week doesn’t get any easier either, as Copenhagen welcome league rivals Brøndby IF to PARKEN next Sunday for the late kick off of the day. Both teams will be up for the game, as Brøndby try to recoup the lead FCK will be hoping to extend at the top of the table.
