Neestrup reacts to FCK cup triumph
F.C. Copenhagen head coach Jacob Neestrup says Thursday's Danish Cup triumph was just reward for a bumpy season as the Lions wrapped up the 2024/25 campaign with a second trophy in four days.
Having lifted the Danish Superliga title on Sunday, FCK faced Silkeborg in Thursday's Danish Cup final and took the lead just three minutes in through Jordan Larsson.
Goals from Lukas Lerager and Mohamed Elyounoussi earned the Lions a 3-0 lead going into the break and that's how to game ended.
“Today we were at our best against a team that can challenge the very best on their day,” said Neestrup.
“Of course, the early goal helped, but I also think we were good at shutting down Silkeborg’s qualities, and when we score three goals on four shots in the first half, the efficiency is OK for me.
“It hasn’t always been that way, because as I’ve said before, it’s been a season with lots of bumps in the road, but when you’re standing here with a cup triumph a few days after winning the championship, it feels like it’s all been worth it!"
The 2024/25 season saw FCK win the double and reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Conference League, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Chelsea.
Reflecting on the title run-in, Neestrup adds: “We started the spring well, but it was of course painful when we only took two points in the three games against AaB, Sønderjyske and Viborg.
"The way we lost in Viborg in particular was a turning point, because there was a lot to discuss when we talked things through, both from the coaches and the players.
“Even though we had two disappointing defeats to Brøndby and Midtjylland, we took 2.2 points on average in the Championship Round of the Superliga, which is very competitive against many talented teams. But our best players also came back from injuries, and when they reached their level, we had a lot of strings to play compared to the other teams.
“We are of course all happy and proud to have two trophies after a long and tough season, and I also think that we have shown that there is perspective in this team."