One week in Austria: Thorup on FCK training

F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jess Thorup has praised his players' physicality after an impressive first week of the Lions' training camp in Austria.

FCK are in Bad Erlach preparing for the new 3F Superliga season and UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying campaign.

Thorup saw his men claim a 1-0 victory over CSKA Moscow in the first friendly of the training camp and spoke to the FCK podcast 'Bad News from Bad Erlach' about his experience so far.

"We have fantastic conditions, good weather, great pitches and a bunch of players who really want to give the maximum, so I'm a happy head coach," said Thorup.

"The physical aspect has been our first priority so far to build a strong base, and I think we have looked insanely strong. Most recently, we were completely superior physically to CSKA Moscow, and there were many players who went to the limit and got their reward, even though we have had many days with two training sessions and sometimes over two hours on the field.

"So in that way we have squeezed a lot out of them, but they look sharp physically.

"Over the course of the week we've also dug deeper into some of our tactics, both in defending and in midfield, but also in being even sharper on our breakthroughs and producing chances.

The new players promise quality
"Already we can see that the new players bring more quality. We already had a really strong squad, but when we can bring three players in of that level, it just raises the quality immediately. It's great for us because there has to be tough competition, and we have to push each other every day, and that is certainly being done."

Zeca is just getting started
FCK captain Carlos Zeca missed the flight out to Austria due to a positive Covid-19 test. And Thorup provided a quick update on the midfielder.

"Zeca is actually fine now, and he only had a few days where he was really uncomfortable," said Thorup.

"We've kept in touch with him every day, and he's already starting some programmes.

"The only problem is that we cannot get him to Austria, so he's running at home and is getting his basic form in place, so when we are back at Number 10 he will have to be as sharp as possible so he can participate."