Neestrup seeks Cup progress at Thisted
F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup says the objective heading into Wednesday's Danish Cup match with Thisted is a simple one: to progress in the competition.
FCK compete in the fourth round on the Cup on Wednesday evening and Neestrup is gunning for victory at the Second Division side.
"First of all, I expect us to progress. And within 90 minutes of play," says Neestrup. "We have great respect for playing cup football, where games are decided on the day, and we know things can go wrong if you are not ready for the challenge when you face a team that might be playing the match of their lives. But we are looking forward to it."
Thisted reached the fourth round via victories against Nørresundby, Hedensted and most recently Helsingør from the First Division. In the league, Thisted haven't got off to a great start and on Monday the club ended its cooperation with coach Krysztof Popcynski, who has been temporarily replaced by Peter Bechmann.
"We know that if we have quality in the things we do, we will progress, but as I said, we know how it is in these cup matches, and I actually think that we did very well against Hobro last time, but we just lacked quality when we had our big chances," says Neestrup.
"It has to be better and we have to be more focused in our play around set pieces, crosses and so on, where they have opportunities to pressure us. So we come here with respect for Thisted and know that we cannot take any opponent lightly."
Neestrup himself featured in the onliney previous clash between FCK and Thisted, in the 2006 edition of the Cup. It ended 1-1 in regular time – FCK's goal scored by Hjalte Nørregaard – before a penalty shootout sent FCK further into the tournament.
"I have to be honest and say that I don't remember the game in detail, but I do remember that I was injured from my first touch of the ball," says Neestrup.
"Some sharp tongues may say that is where my coaching career began. So maybe that was very lucky of me, as I stand here today."
Neestrup's counterpart on Thisted's bench, Peter Bechmann, was also on the pitch in that match in 2006.