Neestrup and Elyounoussi preview FC Basel showdown
The F.C. Copenhagen squad is in Switzerland this evening in preparation for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League play-off first leg against FC Basel.
Head coach Jacob Neestrup and forward Mohamed Elyounoussi – who played for Basel for two seasons – took questions in a press conference.
“I think it will be two even games with two strong teams,” said Neestrup at St. Jakob-Park.
“We have great respect for the club, who, like ourselves, have a lot of European experience, and they are putting together a really good team again – especially offensively they have some very strong players, both on both sides and in the No 9 and No 10 positions.”
FCK travelled to Basel without Elias Achouri and Thomas Delaney, but Neestrup didn't rule out the possibility they will be ready for the return match next week in Parken.
“We are doing everything we can, but we cannot guarantee anything," added the boss.
"But in a playoff at home you can potentially take a bigger risk than you would normally do in a Superliga game early in the season."
Neestrup confirmed that Elyounoussi will start on Wednesday and the Norwegian, who played for FC Basel between 2016 and 2018, said: “It’s great to be back. I haven’t been here since I left the club, but the airport and the walk into the stadium brought back a lot of good memories.
“I’m looking forward to the match and have of course followed their results over the years, and I’m happy that they came back last season, where they should be last season.
"I would have rather have met them in the group stage instead of the playoff."
From Basel's press conference
Meanwhile, FCB head coach Ludovic Magnin held his press conference alongside Xherdan Shaqiri.
"We have an idea of how FCK will line up, and we have presented our players to each of theirs. I hope it is a detail that can give us an advantage in the match," Magnin said.
"These are two teams that play in the same way, but F.C. Copenhagen have recently played several European matches. The performance on the day will certainly be decisive.
FC Basel are without the injured Bénie Traore as well as striker Kevin Carlos, who has just been sold to OGC Nice.
Shaqiri has played plenty of games at this and higher levels, but not with his current teammates.
"We have to be ready for 90 minutes, because we are facing a strong opponent," said Shaqiri. "If we play our game, we will have chances, but they also have a strong attack and are in good shape as a team, so it will undoubtedly be two very difficult games.
"I would call F.C. Copenhagen the favourites, because they have played more European competitions in recent years. But we also have our qualities, and it will be an interesting test for our team, who have never played together in Europe before. It will be exciting to see how we handle the pressure."
You can watch Wednesday's match on TV3+ & Viaplay. Kick off is at 9pm.