Neestrup outlines goal to remain in Europe

F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup says the aim for his side in the Champions League is to remain in European competition come the spring, as he prepares his players for Tuesday's group game at Sevilla.

FCK and Sevilla are locked on points in Group G and whoever wins on Tuesday will take a big leap to at least securing third place.

These sides drew 0-0 in Parken earlier in the campaign. And Neestrup says the lads are ready for what is to come in Spain.

"The goal for us is to play European football after the winter break, and we know the scenarios there," says the boss.

"If we win, we will probably compete in at least the Europa League and can perhaps dream of even more. If we get a point, then we have a reasonable opportunity to secure third place in the last game of the group.

"It will require a strong European away performance from our side [on Tuesday]. We must take the best from our matches in the Superliga and of course the performance we delivered in Parken against Manchester City."

Since the draw with Sevilla in Copenhagen, both teams have changed head coach. And it means expectations for Tuesday's game have had to be adjusted.

"We know that Sevilla are still a team that use many players in their formation and are relatively strong with the ball, so we have to be aware of that," says Neestrup.

"At the same time, they have become a little more aggressive in their counter-pressing under the new coach, who wants his team to press more. But they are a team that, like ourselves, have been fluctuating this season a bit. They have also changed a lot in relation to their team selection and approach, so we have prepared for a bit of everything."

Discussing the players that are available for the game, Neestrup adds: "We have [Andreas] Cornelius back in the squad, but his role right now will be as a substitute in the final stages, if that makes sense. We have also brought [Rasmus] Falk down here so that he can train and be around the team, as he is also making progress. However, he will not be considered for this match."