Ståle: I've watched the first leg four times

FC Copenhagen are in Amsterdam ahead of Thursday’s Europa League last-16 second leg with Ajax.

The Lions carry a 2-1 lead into the fixture after victory in Telia Parken last week.

And FCK.dk caught up with manager Ståle Solbakken and his squad.

“These are two teams that have great respect for each other,” Ståle said.

“Ajax have been very good in Europe this season and have met the level of many good opponents.

“I still think we have a chance but the result will only come late in the match tomorrow.”

Mathias Zanka is suspended for the clash, meaning Jones Okore will replace the FCK campaign in central defence.

Discussing Ajax’s Danish youngster Kasper Dolberg, Ståle said: “Dolberg is a dangerous player who we have to watch, but it is not Okore against Dolberg.

“Our zonal defence means that we do not particularly follow him, but different players will follow him in the areas where he is.

“Okore, like the others, will be prudent and use common sense and of course remember that it is easier to repair his mistakes in the Alka Superliga than at this level.

“I’ve watched the first leg thee or four times, and there are times when we were really good with and without the ball, but also periods when they were better than us.

“During those periods we were pushed for a bit, although we had the right positioning and distances in the team.

“But we did not move our feet quickly enough and we have to change that tomorrow.”

In addition Zanka’s suspension Ståle must also do without the injured Rasmus Falk tomorrow, while Benjamin Verbic is not yet 100 per cent match fit.

“Yes, we have Falk out and Verbic, who has only played a total of an hour since November, so we have some challenges where someone might play in a position that is not their best,” Ståle conceded.

“And it is easy enough to explain what we should do on the training ground, but it's something else to perform during the actual fight.”

Were FCK to lose 2-1 in Amsterdam then this clash will go to a penalty shootout to determine who makes the quarter-finals.

And Ståle admits he has considered this eventuality.

“It is a match that may well end up 0-0, but that’s not our mindset,” he said.

“We look at it and think we need to score, and we’ve done so before in away games against Astra, APOEL, Porto and Ludogorets.

“This game could also go all the way to a penalty shootout, so we have prepared our spot-kick takers.

“I know in my head who the five must be - and who will only kick in extremis - but that depends on who is on the field at the time, if it comes to that.”

FCK.dk also caught up with the Lions players to gauge their thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s game.

Andreas Cornelius:

“It'll be great in a full stadium. I’m looking forward to it. I know they will change in defence due to suspensions in the first match but I still do not quite know what to expect. But their tactics are the same, for they have a very clear concept that they play to.

“It is a strong team, but they are defending themselves, in a way, man to man, where you sometimes can use that space.”

Erik Johansson:

“Jores has trained and played in enough of our matches since he arrived to know the way we play, so I do not see it as a problem that he is in and Zanka won’t play tomorrow.”

Jores Okore:

“I was confident this morning and do not fear the game. It's these big matches that I live for, so I'm ready and I'm just going to come in and show what I can do. I feel there is pressure on us, but I think there are even greater expectations on them tomorrow. It will be difficult but I think we can do it.”

Youssef Toutouh:

“It is probably a totally different fight than in Copenhagen, but it'll be great to get out and play at this stadium. It’ll be a great match and a difficult game, but if we can get into the quarter-final draw the next morning it will be huge!”