Jacob Neestrup

Neestrup reacts to Hvidovre 0-2 FCK

F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup praised his players for a steady victory over Hvidovre on Friday that extends the Lions' winning start to the Danish Superliga to five games.

Goals either side of half time from Orri Óskarsson and Mohamed Elyounoussi secured the win for the Lions, who move to the top of the table due to FC Nordsjælland playing on Sunday.

Reflecting on the game, Neestrup said: "It was sensible, and even though it wasn't perfect, I'm perfectly happy with us going out here and winning 2-0.

"The result is of course the most important thing, but I also pay a lot of attention to the performance. There were many good things today, but also some not so good, where we gave away a little too many chances.

"But it's nice to win 2-0 here, because you definitely shouldn't underestimate this Hvidovre team. I also faced them as a Viborg coach in the 1st Division, and it's a really good job that's being done out here."

FCK came into the game having beaten Sparta Prague on penalties on Tuesday to secure safe passage to the UEFA Champions League playoff round.

And Neestrup said he didn't mind the quick turnaround of fixtures, and praised young goalkeeper Theo Sander for making his debut as well as midfielder Oscar Højlund.

"Even though we rotated a lot today we are still sending good players onto the field," he added. "It is class of Theo Sander, what he delivered today, because it is a huge pressure to come in and replace Kamil Grabara in such a game here. What he showed today was very, very good.

"We knew very well what Oscar Højlund is all about and he was not handed this start as a gift, but he's fought for it over several months, during which time he has worked extremely hard. Youngsters must have the chance at some point to take the next step, and he fully lived up to that trust today.

"Unfortunately, (Elias) Achouri had to withdraw towards the end, and everyone who watched the match could see that he was standing and clutching his hamstring, which of course never looks good. But let's see what the next few days show. He did some great things today, fortunately we have a strong and broad squad that can handle a few injuries."