FC Porto vs FC Kobenhavn - Solbakken urges FC Copenhagen to be united in defence

Posted Wednesday, September 14, 2016 by PA

FC Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken has warned his side they can ill afford any defensive lapses when they take on Group G favourites Porto at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday.

Solbakken concedes it is likely to be a tough night's work for the Danish champions in Portugal but has promised to give Porto a run for their money.

He does, however, know FCK will need to keep things tight at the back if they want to have any chance of upsetting the two-time former European champions on home soil.

The ex-Norway international said at his pre-match press conference: "It will be a very difficult game. We will face a very strong team and if we are not united defensively, we have no chance.

"If we are united, both in defence and attack, we can do something. We want to win the ball in situations that will help us become dangerous and to gain confidence."

Solbakken has done his homework on a Porto side who have won three of their opening four Primeira Liga matches, and he admits he expects them to finish top of Group G.

He added: "I've seen five or six Porto games and they are very strong, with individuals who can play in several systems. So we must be prepared.

"Porto wants to win their championship, are superior to most teams and can rest players, but my job is not to analyse them, it is to beat them. I think Porto will be first at the end of the group stage, but tomorrow we will give them a fight."

FCK, who came through three qualifying rounds to reach the stages for only the fourth time in their history, are unbeaten in 14 competitive matches this season and are level with Brondby at the top of the Superliga following Saturday's 2-0 win over OB.

Solbakken has named a 21-man squad for the trip, which includes defender Jores Okore for the first time since joining the club this summer. Another recent arrival, former Ajax captain Nicolai Boilesen, is still missing.

Porto are almost at full strength for the match, with full-back Maxi Pereira set to be the only absentee as he continues his recovery from the leg injury sustained during last month's Champions League play-off win over Roma.

Coach Nuno Espirito Santo said of his side's chances at his pre-match press conference: "We are in a group with three champions of their respective countries.

"The players know that nothing is easy in the Champions League and it will be a difficult game against a competitive rival. But we are prepared and ready to play."