Svensson draws positives from 2-0 friendly defeat at HSV

Bo Svensson says Sunday's 2-0 friendly defeat at HSV provided plenty of positives heading into the autumn swing of the Superliga season, even if the result didn't go F.C. Copenhagen's way.

The Lions were defeated in Germany thanks to two late goals in front of 55,000 spectators.

FCK headed to the Volkspark for the friendly during the international break, with players not featuring for their countries available to take part.

"It’s incredible that the bond between the two clubs can draw 55,000 people to a friendly match, and it’s a privilege for us to be part of it," said head coach Svensson afterwards.

"We knew we were arriving with a somewhat depleted squad – missing all our central defenders – but I think we performed well for the first 80 minutes. It was an even contest up to that point, and we created just as many chances as they did.

"Once we took off our remaining experienced players, we struggled a bit – especially with set-pieces, since we don't have the biggest team – but that’s just how it is.

"We hope Kenay’s issue [he left the pitch due to injury] isn't serious, but otherwise, I’m pleased that we got the players through the match without injuries.

"We were certainly lacking some on-field chemistry, and there are things offensively that I think we need to improve, but defensively, I feel we kept them in check. After all, we were facing a Bundesliga side with a starting lineup likely to feature in their next league match. Yet we limited them to very few chances, even though our central defence consisted of a right-back, a left-back, and a central midfielder.

"So, I think we performed well; there were definitely positives, though there are individual aspects – such as our play with the ball – that we need to improve.

"You could clearly see that players with a bit more match rhythm – like Thomas, Moi, and Birger – took charge of the game; they used their experience to make things happen, allowing us to keep the match competitive.

"Then there are those who haven't played much, and Rodrigo, who was returning after a layoff – so naturally, there was some rust. But they gave it their all, and it’s only natural that they didn't always make the right choice in every situation or that their decisions weren't always spot-on."

Rodrigo Huescas returned to the field after a year out with injury and made his comeback by playing the first 45 minutes as a right wing-back, exactly as planned.

"He’s been through a tough spell and was out for a really long time, and you could tell he isn't quite the old Rodrigo yet," added Svensson. "But he’s getting there and making progress all the time, and he’s going to be important for us.

"Whether that happens in the next match or further down the line, I don't know, but he’s a player we have great faith in – someone we know who can change the game – and he needs rhythm, minutes, and all the support he can possibly get."