Quest for Nordic Domination - Copenhagen

[Mongrel]

Chelsea land Danish defender Pedersen

Chelsea has completed its first transfer of the new season with the signing of Danish right back Mads Pedersen from Copenhagen for a reported £12M.

The 26-year old Danish international signed a four-year deal with the blues.

"This is a dream for me - to play for one of the top clubs in the world," he said.

"They [Chelsea] are on of the biggest teams in Europe, and play in one of the best leagues in the world."

The FC Copenhagen captain had long been linked with moves outside of the Superliga, but finally completed his transfer this week after eight seasons with the Danish club.

Last season, Pedersen was instrumental in taking FCK to its second straight Champions League quarter final before a 5-0 aggregate loss to Liverpool.

"He's been a highly respected player in Europe and internationally, so to complete the signing is a big coup," Chelsea manager and fellow Dane, Martin Laursen said.

Laursen would have seen first-hand the abilities of Pedersen during his six-year stint in charge of Aarhus Fremad, and will hope that Pedersen can adapt to the rigours of consistent top flight football as Chelsea look to recover from a disappointing eighth place finish last season.

Despite the price received for their captain, Copenhagen supporters and former players have expressed their dismay at the exodus of players central to their surprising European runs over the past two seasons.

"It is disappointing to the see the calibre of Pedersen, [Mika] Bjökstrand and [bashkim] Kadrii depart in such quick succession," former Stuttgart and Copenhagen captain William Kvist said.

Kvist, now managing third tier club FC Hjørring, was referring to the sale of Finnish international Mika Björkstrand last winter for a club record £15.5M and the expiry of club legend Bashkim Kadrii's contract.

"These are the sort of players who the club is built around," Kvist said. "It is quality that cannot be replaced overnight."

F.C. København

Nicknames: Byens Hold; Løverne

Ground: Parken (38,076)

Corporate Facilities: Top notch

Training Facilities: Top notch

Youth Facilities: Top notch

Estimated Value: €91M

League: 2023-24 Superligaen

Media Prediction: 1st

European Coefficient: 13th (106.320)

Superliga Champions (19): 1993, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

2022-23 Superligaen Table

2023-24 First Team Squad

---

I understand that it is not usual to post a career update thread so far into a game, but I wanted a way to document my travels throughout Europe with this mighty Copenhagen side. My aim has always been this: to win the Champions League with nothing but Nordic players. That means I haven't signed any player who is something other than Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic or Finnish. I realise this sort of approach would no doubt have FCK fall afoul of the European Commission, but this is Football Manager...

Hopefully in the coming posts I can familiarise some of you with my side. I understand that it isn't easy this far into a game to know what is going on, but I can only do my best.

[Mongrel]

MÅLMÆND

Carl Jaksic (GK) - After playing understudy to Mikkel Andersen for a while, Jaksic had a breakout 2021-22 season where he made 24 league appearances, and backed it up with another strong showing in 2022-23. He's secured himself a place as Finland's top goalkeeper, too, and is a solid hand in goals at FCK. Ideally we'd have somebody better, but there's a real lack of good goalkeepers in Scandinavian football at the moment. As a shot stopper he's quite OK, but he doesn't marshal the defence all that well and his distribution isn't quite Champions League level.

Mikkel Andersen (GK) - After a successful career with Standard in the Jupiler Pro League, Andersen joined on a free in 2019-20 to replace outgoing goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow. He played two full seasons as first choice keeper, before being Jaksic overtook him. He's a quality back up and appears happy to play second fiddle to Jaksic, while making the old Champions League and Danish Cup appearance.

Jakob Friis-Topholm (GK) - The third choice keeper at FCK has spent nearly three seasons on loan with affiliate club Fyn in 1. Division. The second tier is probably his level, but he will stay as a useful backup for Jaksic and Andersen this season, before probably moving on to a lower Superliga club later on.

FORSVARSSPILLER

Tommi Aaltonen (DC) - One of FCK's legends, Aaltonen joined for a paltry 2,200,000 DKK (€300K) from his junior club Honka after 25 Veikkausliiga appearances. He broke into the FCK first team almost immediately with seventeen appearances in his first season (four starts), and quickly became known for his presence at set pieces which allowed him to score a massive twelve goals as a centre half in 2019-20. Despite being two-time Finnish Player of the Year and one time Superligaen: Årets Profil winner, Aaltonen has never moved outside of the Scandinavian leagues and looks set to finish his career with FCK. He managed just eight league appearances last season after a horror break to his leg, and will be hoping to bounce back well this season.

Casper Oxtorp (DC/R) - Despite starting his career out with archrivals Brøndby IF, Oxtorp played a full season of Superliga football with VB Kolding before making a 17,000,000 DKK (€2.3M) move to FCK in 2021-22. After 29 Superliga appearances in his first season with the club, his second year was a huge success as he effortlessly slotted in for the injured Tommi Aaltonen to become first choice centre half. He more than impressed on the continent, too, and has unsurprisingly attracted the interest of the likes of Girondins Bordeaux. He's a pure defensive player with little by way of attacking attributes, but his defensive work is so strong for a 21-year old that he's set to be a mainstay of the club for years to come.

Pontus Jansson (DC/R) (Vice-Captain) - A long-time veteran and four-season captain of FCK, Jansson graciously stepped down to vice captain to allow Mads Pedersen to assume the captaincy in 2020. With Pedersen's departure, he'd be a smart choice for captain but for the fact he might be squeezed out of the side with the rise and rise of Oxtorp. Despite his age, he's still one of the very best defenders in the league and has been awesome at both national and European level during his ten seasons at the club. 2023-24 probably won't see him playing a huge amount of football after just nine appearances last season, but there is an opening at right back and he's just about the most credentialed player to fill it. Even at 32, he's in great shape physically.

Lauri Pennanen (DR/C) - Another Finnish arrival at FCK, Pennanen has been incredibly impressive in the Superliga since joining AaB on a free transfer from HJK Helsinki in 2021. During his two seasons in the Superliga, Pennanen was shortlisted for the Forårets Profil i Superligaen and averaged around 7.30 in a midtable side. Since making his Finland debut, he's cemented himself as first choice centre half alongside Tommi Aaltonen, but will be expected fill the big shoes of Mads Pedersen at right back.

Hannu Hietala (DL) - I rated Hietala so much when I signed him that we gambled 26,000,000 DKK (€3.5M) on him after just six league appearances with SK Rapid Wien. While he's been a serviceable player in a very strong Superliga side, he's unfortunately not managed to come on as I'd have liked and has at times been a liability at European level. Despite impeccable determination and tackling, he's failed to really make left back his own. The problems at full back are rife right throughout Scandinavia with few real quality players - there's a heap of attacking options, but few really good players capable of playing left back and right back.

Jan Sørensen (DC) - One of the few Norwegian defenders to play for FCK in the Jacobsen reign (veteran left back Emil Jonassen being the other), Sørensen made the most of the opportunities afforded to him in the absence of Tommi Aaltonen in 2022-23. He's a limited player offensively, but is a very solid player defensively. His real weakness is his lack of pace, which could be an issue at the European level.

Kristen Thygesen (RB) - Despite having never appeared for FCK, big things are expected from the 18-year old who earned his first of two senior international caps against Lithuania over the summer. With the departure of Mads Jacobsen, Thygesen returns to Superligaen after two seasons on loan with Mallorca in the La Liga. As a supporting full back, he's probably not quite at the stage where he's ready to be first choice, but this could be a key development season for the youngster who should grow into the role by next year.

[Mongrel]

CENTRAL MIDTBANESPILLERE

Tommi Veltheim (MC) - After a number of successful seasons carving up the Veikkausliiga with HJK, Veltheim joined FCK in 2019-20 for 2,600,000 DKK (€350,000). At that point he was a long way back in a very completive midfield, but after loan stints in the Bundesliga has cemented his place in the starting lineup over the past two seasons. He formed a formidable central pairing with Mika Björkstand for those two seasons, before the latter departed to Internazionale in a record 140,000,000 DKK (€18.5M) transfer in the summer of 2023. He now leads an inexperienced FCK midfield, while attracting the interest of the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon. He's a fantastic playmaker with fantastic passing and technique, though I'd like to see his tackling improve.

Tom Kristensen (DMC/MC/DC) - A record €9M signing from recently relegated Bundesliga side MSV Duisburg, Kristensen is a vital addition to a shallow midfield following the departures of Mika Björkstrand and Joseph Baffo. Although a defensive midfielder by trade, the versatile 25-year old is a fantastic clubman who is a dead ball specialist. I hope to see his physical stats improve at the club, and if so I think he can become one of the top midfielders in the Superliga (he probably is already). He's a handy, if not a bit short, addition to the central defence stocks of the club, too.

Jonas Petersen (MC) - The arrival of Kristensen means the 20-year old is probably reduced to third choice in central midfield, but there is a lot to like about the young man who started his career at the Lyngby footballing factory. His €1.5M move, after just seven Superliga appearances with Vikingerne, was a risk, but he had a breakthrough season last season with 15 starts and an average rating of 7.40. He's also being retrained as a winger because of his top notch crossing, dribbling and technique, although he might be a little bit slow for that as it stands. He has serious mental deficiencies for a deep lying playmaker, though, and that will be an issue in Europe.

FLØJSPILLERE

Emil Larsen (AMR/L) - The veteran made the move from La Liga outfit Granada back in the summer of 2018 and has been a consistent force down the right for Copenhagen during his 118 league appearances for the club. He's won both the Forårets Profil and Efterårets Profil in his time with the club, and has made 52 European appearances in the FCK shirt.

Mohammed Elyounousi (AML/R/C/FW) - The experienced Norwegian international joined FCK for a then record 30,000,000 DKK (€4M) back in 2016 after a season in the Serie A with Reggina. While he's never become the best player in the league, he's been a consistently solid hand down the left and has made 141 league appearances for the club. His Superliga season last year was perhaps his best yet, though he's consistently underperformed in European football since five goals from nine starts way back in 2016-17.

Nicolai Jørgensen (AML/R/C/FW) - FCK's most traveled player, Jørgensen spent five seasons at Løverne in the 2010s before completing a surprisingly cheap €3.2M move to La Liga outfit Valencia. He never nailed down a starting spot at Los Che and came off the bench as often as he started, before completing a €4.1 move to Premier League outfit Stoke. His only season with Stoke was a nightmare as he made just six appearances across all forms, and then no Premier League appearances in the first half of his second season. This prompted a move back to FCK where he has struggled with a few injuries. He's not the creative force he was in his first spell, but he's extremely handy depth.

Matti Vuorinen (AMR) - The talented young Finn joined for just €130K from Haka back in 2020-21 after a maiden Veikkausliiga saw him catch FCK's eye with five goals and eight assists. Playing second fiddle to Emil Larsen at Løverne, the right winger consistently makes an impact when given the chance and is one of the real prospects in Finnish football. His 37 Superliga appearances have netted eight goals and twelve assists. He's a super quick footballer, but now needs his technical abilities to match his natural athleticism to really take the next step. At 21, time is on his side.

[Mongrel]

OFFENSIV MIDTBANESPILLERE

Ole Overgaard (AMC) (Captain) - The 25-year old Danish international added more strings to his bow in 2022-23 with twelve assists to go with his twelve goals. Although not quite as prodigious goal-scoring wise this season, Overgaard remains one of the Superliga's best players due to his high work rate and good physical attributes. After six Champions League goals and three assists last year, Overgaard's return was down in Europe this year as he scored five goals - three of which came from the spot. With the arrival of Niels Pedersen from Brescia, there is at least some pressure on Overgaard to improve at a continental level this season. Although not the perfect choice for captain, the leadership hole left by Mads Pedersen means that he is forced into the role.

Niels Pedersen (AMC) - A product of the Viborg youth academy, Pedersen made the move to Wolves while still a youngster, but failed to make an appearance for the senior side. With Serie A experience with Genoa already under his belt, he made a €5.5M move to Brescia where he stayed for three seasons and scored 31 goals. After a falling out with manager Maurizio Sarri, he made a record 63,000,000 DKK (€8.5M) move back to Superligaen to join FCK. In a solid start to his FCK career, he scored the 90th minute winner at the San Siro to put Copenhagen through to the Champions League quarterfinals. While he's most at home as an AMC, he can contribute elsewhere on the field.

Marc Budtz (AMC/MC) - One of the few products of the FCK youth academy to play first team football, Budtz has never managed to crack consistent football despite the fact he has an uncanny knack of scoring goals whenever given the chance. In his 55 first team appearances, he's managed an impressive return of 25 goals despite less than half of them being starts. He earned a Danish call-up against Uruguay last season, but with the arrival of Niels Pedersen he will probably need to look elsewhere for consistent first team football.

ANGRIBERE

Joel Pohjanpalo (FW) - The veteran Finn joined the club for 18,000,000 DKK (€2.4M) in the summer of 2022 following Nicklas Bendtner's departure from the club on a free. After scoring three goals to end the season (and two more in the Champions League), Pohjanpalo has starred in the Superliga this season with 23 goals from 24 goals to win Topscorer-prisen (breaking Makienok's three-year reign). After his prolific run in Cyprus, he had a disappointing half-season with German champs Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2021, and was happy to find first team action in Denmark. He's not an especially talented player (though he's good at this level), but gets everything out of himself with strong mental attributes, and is also a great leader.

Simon Makienok (FW) - After scoring a gazillion goals with Midtjylland, Makienok finally got the chance this season to prove himself in Champions League football as we agreed a rather hefty 27,000,000 DKK (€3.6M) deal with FCM. He's greatest attributes are his height, jumping ability and decent finishing and heading which with FCM made him a lethal player with 150 league goals from 223 appearances. Unfortunately, FCM only managed 21 continental appearances during his eight years with the club, so there were always questions over his ability to perform at Champions League level. In a strong first season rotating in-and-out of the side with the prolific Pohlanpalo, he scored six league goals and, more impressively, five Champions League goals from nine starts as first choice European striker.

Torstein Andersen Aase (FW/AMC) - At 31 years of age, Aase is probably past his prime, but can still compete thanks to his impressive natural fitness and decent ability to find the net. After more than a decade at the club, Aase is still only a "Favoured Personnel", and has never managed to become first choice - managing over twenty league appearances in just one season. Still, his first team record is impressive with 234 appearances for a return of 92 goals in league, domestic cup and continental football.

[Lenzar]

Very nicely presented league table and squad

[Mongrel]

Aarhus Gymnastik Forening

2022-23 season

Superliga: 9th

Danish Cup:

Media Prediction:

A disappointing 2022-23 campaign saw AGF avoid relegation, but manager Johnny Mølby sacked after just over a year in charge. His replacement is 38-year old former FC København midfielder and coach Martin Vingaard who assumes his the first managerial post of his career. He's made a number of astute signings, including Liverpool wonderkid Nick Olsen on a year long loan, along with FCK right back Rohnny Sunde.

Captain and key player: Oliver Larsen - Despite being uncapped at all Danish age levels, Larsen has been a mainstay in the Superliga throughout his twelve year career, and produced another solid season in a poor AGF side last year. He's not the most influential or talented player, but is much loved by the club.

Player to watch: Nick Olsen - At just seventeen years of age, a surprising amount has been written about the young Dane who joined Liverpool three years ago from Brøndby. He didn't make a senior appearance for AGF last season, but on loan for the second season running will be hoping to make an impact.

On loan from FCK: Rohnny Sunde - The young Norwegian right back has made nine Superliga appearances with FCK after time on loan at Nordsjælland, Horsens and Tromsø. With so much depth at right back, it is a big year for him at AGF.

Aalborg Boldspilklub

2022-23 season

Superliga: 4th

Danish Cup: Fourth Round

Europa League: Third Qualifying Round

Media Prediction: 4th

Glen Riddersholm continued to keep AaB thereabouts in 2022-23 as they improved by one place on their fifth placed finish the year before. Riddersholm has made a couple of astute loan signings to bolster his squad, and has also completed the €300K capture of experienced FCK left-back Emil Jonassen who made 131 league appearances for his old club. They suffered a double blow as Fans' Player of the Year Lauri Pennanen and talented Swede Mustafa Sandberg both departed on frees.

Captain: Morten Koch - The 31-year old continues to go strong at central midfield for AaB and has currently made 158 appearances for the club. In that time, AaB have notched five straight top five appearances, with only one trophy to show for it.

Key player: Mikael Ingebrigtsen - The veteran attacking midfielder produced less in his second season at AaB, but still created eight goals and scored four of his own. His experience will be important in the coming year.

Player to watch: Juan Bautista Fernández - The Sevilla striker will be a key up front for AaB this season having already played La Liga football with two clubs. He's a real catch for this level, and should have some success with the club.

Aarhus Fremad

2022-23 season

1. division: 1st

Danish Cup: Second Round

Media Prediction: 10th

After their four-year run in the Superliga came to an end with relegation in 2021-22, Aarhus Fremad bounced back last season to win the title by five points from Randers. They've lost a number of players this year - including Lars Bo Christensen to København - but secured one of the few shining lights from Viborg's disastrous campaign in Superliga journeyman Anders Thomsen. Steffen Rasmussen has a fight to keep the side up this year.

Captain and key player: Mads Hvilsom - Hvilson was key in Fremad's immediate return to the Superliga with 24 goals last season, but was a consistent performer during the club's Superliga run with 44 goals over the four seasons.

Player to watch: Alexander Scheel - The 17-year old was a handy addition down back for the 1. division champs last year, and is seen as one of Denmark's most promising centre halves.

Brøndby IF

2022-23 season

Superliga: 6th

Danish Cup: Semi-Final

Europa League: Playoffs

Media Prediction: 5th

There's a lot to like about what Magnus Pehrsson is producing at Brøndby - even though we hate the ******** and everything they stand for.

In his fifth season at the club, Pehrsson seems to have permanently got BIF out of the relegation dog fight, but they suffered a set back last year with a disappointing sixth placed finish. After the blow of losing Danish star Søren Kristensen (87 apps, 7.34 average rating) on a free to RC Lens, Perhsson has strengthened his squad with three signings from the relegated FC Nordsjælland. The fifth placed prediction, if it came true, would be disappointing for this club, who continues to teeter on the verge of bankruptcy.

Captain: Dario Dumic - The Bosnian international enters his fifteen season with the Superliga club, and was rewarded for his loyalty by being awarded the captaincy this season following the departure of Kristensen. He's a safe choice, and has been one of the league's most consistent centre halves for years.

Key player: Lindani Borman - The highly rated South African international has shown glimpses of his potential during his career at BIF, and is a potent force on the left wing. He's attracted interest from Serie A clubs due to his speed and dead ball ability, and there's a lot to suggest that if he has a good year, he might be off.

Player to watch: Tobias Bertilsson - The young Swede got his first full Superliga season last year with 26 starts. At just 21 years of age, the youngster will form a potent pairing on the wings with Borman and will be hoping he can continue to develop as a regular starter for BIF.

Esbjerg fB

2022-23 season

Superliga: 7th

Danish Cup: Quarter Final

Media Prediction: 7th

After eleven straight seasons in the Superliga with just one finish higher than third place, Esbjerg fB made the big signing of the summer with Champions League veteran Bashkim Kadrii joining on a year-long deal. Manager Michael Hemmingson, in his second year as manager, has made some astute additions to the side with striker Dino Ndlovu joining on a free after success in Switzerland. They should finish higher than seventh this season, despite a very small squad.

Captain: Frederik Helstrup - After joining from QPR on a free last season following a six-year stint in England, Helstrup was a rock at centre back for Esbjerg and earned five man of the match awards. Named captain of the club this season, he'll be hoping to lead his side to a top four finish.

Key player: Bashkim Kadrii - After 205 league appearances and a stunning 96 on the continent with FCK, Kadrii refused to sign a new contract and moved west to Esbjerg. At 32 years of age, he's still a very fine player for this level and will find what he's been craving - consistent first team football as he looks to make a case for a return to the Danish national team.

Player to watch: Jonas Roth - The eighteen year old Swede joins on loan from FCK, and will be first choice for the Jutland club. The youngster made regularly cup appearances last season, and a maiden Superliga appearance following a €275K move from Malmö.

On loan from FCK: Fredrik Gravdal - In addition to Roth and Kadrii, the FCK insurgence continued for Esbjerg with the arrival of young Norwegian Gravdal. Still yet to make a Superliga appearance, he will probably come off the bench on occasion as he looks to establish himself as good enough for this level.

FC Midtylland

2022-23 season

Superliga: 5th

Danish Cup: Quarter Final

Europa League: 1st Knockout Round

Media Prediction: 3rd

Thomas Thomasberg's side took a step back last season after consecutive second place finishes, and part of that must come down to a failure to fill the massive hole Simon Makienok left following an iconic eight years at the club.

Thomas Schou, another Brøndby product, failed to fill that hole with a return of just twelve goals, and it meant a season without European football for Ulvene. Promising goalkeeper Georgi Minchev leaves after just one season at the club for €1.2M, while defensive pairing Jonas Jacobsen and Glenn Hansen join from BIF and FCK respectively.

Captain: René Elstrup - The 24-year old attacking force has long been touted for a move to another league after his decision to go to FCM three seasons ago, but will stay until at least the winter. While he didn't recapture his 20 goal first season form last year, he managed a respectable return of 17 and will be key as FCM push for Europe again.

Key player: Rune Oxlund - Defence was a real issue for Midtjylland last season, but Oxlund was a rare shining light as he continued his push for Danish honours. At the forefront of the new generation of FCM talent, Oxlund has what it takes to be one of the premier defenders in the Superliga.

Player to watch: Jonas Jacobsen - Midtjylland's near €1M signing comes with high wraps from Brøndby, who were disappointed to see him leave. After two full seasons of Superliga football, he's primed to slot into a Midtjylland defence who conceded too many goals last season.

Lyngby Boldklub

2022-23 season

Superliga: 10th

Danish Cup: Finalists

Media Prediction: 9th

Avoiding relegation by six points last season, Lyngby swung the axe in November of last season to leave Swede Rasmus Elm to save them from second flight football. As manager of of the oldest teams in the league, Elm did little to improve the squad this season with just two signings thus far. It looks like a season of struggle for Lyngby, who play European football thanks to their cup run.

Captain: Jimmy Pedersen - It was a disappointing year for Pedersen last year who saw his team only narrowly avoid relegation. A lifelong product of Lyngby, Pedersen is a decent player but, more importantly, a strong leader.

Key player: Yussuf Poulsen - His output dropped last year, but Poulsen's scoring record in Superligaen is matched by very few - 299 appearances for 139 goals. While he's never recaptured the heights of his 28 goal haul back in 2018-19, he's still a strong target up front in a struggling side.

Player to watch: Mattias Aronsson - A likely starter at left back, young Aronsson is a handy footballer who has been solid in his two years with the club. At 24, he should grow as a player this year.

Randers FC

2022-23 season

1. division: 2nd

Danish Cup: Fourth Round

Media Prediction: 11th

Superliga new boys Randers face a tough task to stay up in their first top flight season since 2017-18. Manager Mads Toppel brought in eight players in the summer transfer window in the hopes of survival, but it will be an uphill battle.

Captain and key player: Daniel Jespersen - His first season since joining Randers was a smash hit as he conceded just 24 goals in 32 appearances with 13 clean sheets. His only run in the Superliga, though, came as first choice for Silkeborg IF in 2020-21 where he conceded 49 goals in 29 games.

Player to watch: Joachim Haahr - 18-year old striker is easily one of the best young athletes in Denmark, and will benefit from Superliga football. His sixteen goals and ten assists last year were instrumental in Randers' return to the top flight.

On loan from FCK: John Lössl - Right back is a competitive post in the FCK side, and for the third year running Lössl is out on loan. This is his first in Superligaen, where his pace will be key.

Silkeborg IF

2022-23 season

Superliga: 3rd

Danish Cup: Third Round

Media Prediction: 6th

Last year was a huge year for Silkeborg in just their second year back in Superligaen. Long-time manager Mads Junker, now in his eighth season, has looked to improve the squad for the Europa League by signing eight players and holding onto most stars. Whether or not they can repeat last year's success isn't certain, but the potential is there.

Captain and key player: Mads Hjortshøj - Lead the charge for SIF in Superligaen last season with an average rating of 7.35 in his 27 appearances. Not the best player in the league by any means, but tries hard.

Player to watch: Tobias Jensen - Joining the club from AC Horsens for €200K, Jensen was a solid hand for ACH in the second tier last year, and will hope that his first Superliga season will see him make an impact.

Sønderjysk Elitesport

2022-23 season

Superliga: 8th

Danish Cup: Third Round

Media Prediction: 12th

Predicted by most to finish last, SønderjyskE have invested little in the squad this season, and have preferred to concentrate on loans. Last year the team was led by the likes of Johnny Arp and Nicklas Bendtner, but Bendtner's departure leaves a hole up front 22-year old Paw Elgaard, with six Superliga goals, is unlikely to fill.

Captain: Paw Elgaard - In his second year as captain, Elgaard must find a way to play more football and score more regularly after he failed to back up the promise of 2021-22 in the second flight. His physique is his strong point.

Key player: Johnny Arp - Scored nine last season and created four more to continue his solid form heading the SønderjyskE attack.

Player to watch: Nizar Zouaghi - The 19 year old on loan from Lyon will slot right into centre back for the side, and is likely to have a hard year ahead of him. His maturity and determination will get him far, though.

Vejle Boldklub Kolding

2022-23 season

Superliga: 2nd

Danish Cup: Semi Final

Europa League: First Knockout Round

Media Prediction: 2nd

The most consistent modern day threat to FCK, VB Kolding have finished in the top three five seasons in a row, and continue to thrive under manager Nicolai Wael, who enters his twelfth season as manager. Despite Champions League football on offer, Kolding haven't invested a whole lot in the side, while losing midfield pairing Salim Khaled and Serge Salifou respectively. Veteran winger Milan Lalkovic arrives from Mainz after five seasons in the Bundesliga in an attempt to improve the attacking power of an already strong side.

Captain: Niels Højlund - The retirement of 222 league appearance veteran Jonas Thorsen led to Højlund's appointment as captain following a career best season in 2022-23. The Danish U-21 internation is a natural leader, and quality defender.

Key player: Jimmie Lauritzen - Højlund's centre half partner has been a tremendous player since joining from Esbjerg two seasons ago for €675K, and will need to produce similar form for VBK this season.

Player to watch: Goran Mudresa - The versatile midfielder joined for €2M last season, but failed to produce consistent football in his 21 league appearances. With 24 appearances for Montenegro, Mudresa is a natural leader, but lets himself down in his strength and balance.

On loan from FCK: Anton Axelsson - The IFK Norrköping youth player joined for €350K two seasons ago, and has made just one league appearance. He'll be first choice at Kolding, and this is a big year for his development.

[Mongrel]

July/August 2023

A fine start to the season, but although we sit top of the league, it is VB Kolding who are the only undefeated team with three wins and a draw. We don't play them until our visit to Vejle Stadion in October, so hopefully they can keep up the pace to make it a big match. To start the season, we made it four straight wins over Aarhus Fremad with Matti Vuorinen scoring the first goal of the season. Brøndby's opening day draw set up the first New Firm Derby of the season, which we put beyond doubt late with Overgaard scoring from the spot.

Undoubtedly the best performance of the month was the 6-1 drubbing of Esbjerg with Makienok Christoffersen scoring four times to get his season going. The only blip was a disappointing 0-1 defeat at third placed AaB - Ole Overgaard being sent off for a second bookable offence, and Emil Larsen failing to convert from the spot in injury time to snatch a point.

New signing Tom Kristensen has been very impressive in his start to his FCK career with one goal, one assist, 4.18 tackles per game and an average rating of 7.68. Before going down with an injury, Hannu Hietala has experienced the best start to a season of his career with an average rating of 7.78 which is incredibly promising.

---

GAME OF THE MONTH

Brøndby 1-3 Copenhagen

Defending champions FC Copenhagen have won the first Battle of Copenhagen for the season, with an impressive 3-1 win over arch rivals Brøndby IF in a spirited affair at Vilfort Park.

Copenhagen got scoring underway on the stroke of half time, as Danish international Emil Larsen executed a well-placed finish to put the visitors ahead 1-0. Six minutes after the break, Finnish midfielder won a scramble inside the box to beat Brøndby keeper Kevin Angelborn after a shot from centre half Casper Oxtorp was blocked.

The home side had trouble coping with the amount of possession Copenhagen were able to maintain, but nevertheless kept themselves in the hunt with a 60th minute strike from Jonas Ottesen. A beautiful ball from Ghana veteran Kamal Issah caught the Copenhagen defence napping, and allowed half-time substitute Ottesen to beat Carl Jaksic with his left foot.

The very next minute, though, Ole Overgaard had the chance to put the match beyond doubt as he was clumsily brought down in the box from behind by 17-year old Stefan Juul. A poor penalty from the FCK captain, though, was saved easily by Angelborn to keep Brøndby in it.

Ultimately, though, the number of chances generated by the visitors proved too much for the home side, and in the 88th minute Overgaard was given another chance from the spot. A poor day from Mathias Redsted continued as he brought Nicolai Jørgensen down on the edge of the box, and Overgaard this time hammered the ball into the top corner.

The 3-1 win marks a continuation of FCK's domination of their rivals, and extends their winning streak over BIF to seven of the past eight meetings. Brøndby's defeat sees them sitting eighth on the table with one point.

Brøndby IF: Kevin Angelborn - 7, Mathias Redsted - 4.5, Stefan Juul - 7, Ole Davidsen - 7, René Hasle - 7, Tobias Bertilsson - 6, Andreas Haddaoui - 6.5 (Jonas Ottesen 45' - 7.5), Lindani Borman - 7, Kamal Issah - 7, Peter Poggenpoel - 7 (Mads Junker 58' - 6)

Goals: Ottesen 60'

Booked: Hasle, Issah, Juul, Redsted, Dumic

FC Copenhagen: Carl Jaksic - 7, Lauri Pennanen - 7, Casper Oxtorp - 7, Pontus Jansson - 7.5, Hannu Hietala - 7, Tom Kristensen - 7 (Niels Pedersen 73' - 7), Tommi Veltheim - 8, Emil Larsen - 9, Ole Overgaard - 8, Mohammed Elyounoussi - 7 (Nicolai Jørgensen 18' - 7.5), Joel Pohjanpalo - 7 (Simon Makienok 73' - 7)

Goals: Larsen 45', Veltheim 51', Overgaard 88'

Booked: Jørgensen

Man of the Match: Emil Larsen (FCK)

[Mongrel]

Juventus draw Copenhagen, Spartak, Standard in Champions League

Defending champions Juventus have been handed a tough draw, with three European champions drawn along side them in Group B of today's Champions League draw in Switzerland.

Two-time quarter-finalists FC Copenhagen are the biggest names to be drawn alongside Juve, and the two teams are set for an opening day blockbuster at Juventus Stadium on September 19. The last time the two sides met, way back in 2014, Juventus completed a 4-0 drubbing of the Danish side in Copenhagen.

In addition to FCK, defending Russian champions Spartak Moscow and Belgian champions Standard Liège will also pose tests for Juve, despite Spartak's loss of gun midfielder Alexey Filimonov to PSG. The Russian side sit second in the Prem'er Liga after ten matches, while three-time Pro League winners Standard are five points off the pace in their quest for a fourth straight crown.

As always, there was one group touted as the "group of death", and this year it is Group F, which pits 2022 champions Manchester United against French league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, La Liga leaders Sevilla and the 29-time Norwegian champions Rosenborg.

---

Juventus FC

Manager: Thomas Tuchel (45-9-10)

Captain: Kwadwo Asamoah (319 apps, 41 goals)

Key Players: Marco Intriago, Manuel Paredes, Jac Winter

2022-23 Europe: Winners, Champions League

Despite winning the Champions League last season, Juve would be disappointed to have missed out on clinching the league with a final day loss to Internazionale at Juventus Stadium handing the Milanese club the title by a single point. Still, they took joy from knocking off PSG and Liverpool en route to a 4-2 extra time victory over Lyon in the final. It marked former Gladbach manager Thomas Tuchel's first Champions League title, and he was happy to keep most of his squad in tact for the defence as he invested just €7.5M in new signings. The core of the winning side remains, though, and they will be incredibly hard to beat for top spot in Group B.

Spartak Moscow

Manager: Miodrag Bozovic (56-14-16)

Captain: Felipe Gutiérrez (215 apps, 69 goals)

Key Players: Claudio González, Thiago, Patryk Wisniewski

2022-23 Europe: Quarter Final, Europa League (lost to PSV Eindhoven).

Yet again broke the hat trick of Zenit St. Petersburg title victories last year by four points, and had a successful run to the Europa League quarter finals before going out 0-1 on aggregate to PSV. Unfortunately the investment hasn't been there this season, and Spartak have not brought in a single player for their Champions League assault. They are a strong side with a good defence that is hard to break down, so they will pose a real threat to our chances of qualifying to the knockout rounds.

R Standard de Liège

Manager: Frédéric Brillant (30-9-15)

Captain: Dave Bulthuis (318 apps, 7 goals)

Key Players: Rune Balle, Arnaldo Kelvin, Asaf Mashaba

2022-23 Europe: Play-off, Champions League (lost to Slovan Bratislava)

Standard should pose few troubles with a young squad lacking in Champions League experience. This is just their second group stage appearance in the past ten years, and they've made it to the first knockout round of the Europa League five times in that time, too.

Altogether it could have been a lot worse, but Spartak will at least keep us on our toes and we cannot afford to drop points in our trips to Moscow and Liège.

[nie jem frytek]

Wikipedia tables!

Tough group in UCL. :<

[Animosama]

This should be interesting. Is your junior coaching also top notch ?

[Mongrel]

This should be interesting. Is your junior coaching also top notch ?

No, Junior coaching is ranked as "good" and youth recruitment merely "average". As you can see, there's only one player in the entire first team squad who has actually come through our youth academy, which is incredibly frustrating considering the talent that Brøndby and Midtsjylland keep pumping out.

We have one really promising player who made it through our youth ranks, but he was born in Argentina and is listed as an Argentinian player. I'll keep him at the club until such time he makes a decision between the Argies and Denmark - I'm hoping for the latter because he has a big future ahead of him.

Hector Knudsen

[Animosama]

So have you ask for upgrades to the junior coaching and youth recruitment ?

[noikeee]

And I thought I put too much effort in my thread. Epic presentation here, man.

I did miss one thing though, it's clear you've been winning the Danish league every year but what's been your Champions League record so far? How far have you managed to go?

[Mongrel]

The board rejected upgrades to junior coaching, and youth recruitment is still limited to requests for cutting it back.

And I thought I put too much effort in my thread. Epic presentation here, man.

I did miss one thing though, it's clear you've been winning the Danish league every year but what's been your Champions League record so far? How far have you managed to go?

Thanks, man.

Champions League

2012 - Third Qualifying Phase, Lost to Club Brugge

2013 - Group Stage, 4th

2014 - Playoffs, Lost to Valencia

2015 - Group Stage, 4th

2016 - Group Stage, 3rd

2017 - Group Stage, 4th

2018 - First Knockout Round, Lost to Sevilla

2019 - Group Stage, 3rd

2020 - First Knockout Round, Lost to Manchester City

2021 - Quarter Final, Lost to Manchester United

2022 - Quarter Final, Lost to Liverpool

Europa League

2012 - Playoff, Lost to Lokeren

2014 - Quarter Final, Lost to Bayer Leverkusen

2016 - Second Knockout Round, Lost to Wolves

2019 - Final, Lost to Toulouse FC

[Mongrel]

September/October 2023

A mixed couple of months of Superliga football as, while we remained undefeated, we dropped points in games we shouldn't - including an amazing 4-4 draw away at Lyngby. The Lyngby game was part of a ridiculous five Superliga games in a row played away from Parken, so we were lucky to escape without losing any of them. Makienok remains the story of the season as, even at 32 years of age, he continues to score for fun - he scored another four goal haul against Randers in a 5-0 victory, and continues to remain unstoppable with his hectic jumping ability.

October began with a real test away at VB Kolding in a top-of-the-table clash. Emil Larsen's 27th minute strike proved the difference for us in a very even match in front of 10,418 at Vejle Stadion. Our next two fixtures, which saw us drop points at Aarhus Fremad and Esbjerg fB, allowed Kolding to close to gap at the top of the league to four points - in both fixtures we conceded equalisers in the final minutes of the game to cost us four points. Thankfully we arrested the slump against Brøndby in the second New Firm Derby of the season, as a sold out crowd saw Makienok and Ole Overgaard score in a 2-0 win. Kolding were stunned at home by Aarhus Fremad to allow us to extend our lead back out to seven points.

We extend our lead over the past seven matches to seven points, and it already looks like a race between two, with the inferior AaB and Brøndby IF already ten points off the pace. After a horror start to the season saw them take just six points from their first seven matches, Esbjerg fB have shot up to fifth with a haul of 14 from their past seven. There's worrying times ahead for Martin Vingaard's AGF who haven't won since the opening day of the season, and already sit five points adrift of safety. It's still early times, though!

Well the results went as expected, but it could have been at least a point better. We were played off the park for the first half at Juventus, but inexplicably went ahead in the second half before they scored two quickly. Captain Overgaard had the chance to equalise from the spot in injury time, but fluffed it, and they went down the other end and scored a sealer. Needing to make a statement, we played Spartak Moscow off the park in a confidence boosting performance, before struggling to a 3-2 win over Standard Liège to move into second place.

Makienok has again been the continental star with four goals in three appearances, as he continues to show that he's capable of playing Champions League football. Mikkel Andersen has displaced Carl Jaksic in goals on the continent for now, too.

A few troubles in our first DBU Pokal fixture against FC Nordsjælland, before Jan Sørensen scored the winner for an inexperienced side deep into injury time.

---

GAME OF THE MONTH

Juventus 4-2 Copenhagen

A marvellous hat trick from Ecuadorian striker Marco Intriago has kicked off defending champions Juventus' campaign off with a 4-2 win over FC Copenhagen at Juventus Stadium.

Copenhagen will be left pondering what might have been, as captain Ole Overgaard's extra time penalty was saved - allowing Intriago to score the sealer just three minutes later.

The home side, fresh off their Super Cup defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach two weeks ago, came out strongly as 34-year old midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah put them ahead 1-0 with a strike from just inside the box.

That marked a first half of complete domination for the home side who continually tested Copenhagen goalkeeper Carl Jaksic from distance. The visitors had just one chance on the stroke of half time, as prolific striker Simon Makienok Christoffersen was left unmarked from a corner, but failed to hit the target.

After a frustrating first half of football, there was almost immediately improvement from the FCK side who seemed to abandon attempts to overpossess the ball - Finnish midfielder Tommi Veltheim looking lively.

Intriago continued to make chances from the other end, but the upright denied him the chance to cap off an excellent move to put Juve up 2-0. Makienok, too, was causing the Juventus defenders troubles, and really should have levelled the scores in the 64th minute as, one on one with Nicola Leali, he hit the crossbar with a fierce shot on his right foot.

But the big man didn't have to wait much longer, as some brilliant work from substitute Mohammed Elyounoussi to dispossess Jan Szabo and feed Makienok allowed the Danish international to level the match at 1-1.

An energised FCK side then, stunningly, hit the front as left-back Lars Bo Christensen found Niels Pedersen in the box, who then put the visitors ahead 2-1.

With 20 minutes to play, the defending champions needed something special, and it was Intriago who provided it with an equaliser five minutes later. He put his second past Jaksic to reclaim the lead for the home side just seven minutes later, as Tommi Aaltonen committed a horrific error in attempting to header the ball back to his keeper.

But in the first minute of added time, right back Ricardo Jiménez brought Elyounoussi down in the box to give Overgaard the chance to secure a point. A poor spot kick was saved by Leali, who then impressively clutched onto the rebound attempt from the Copenhagen captain to deny FCK the equaliser.

In an impressive end to his twenty minute burst, Intriago went down the other end and completed his hat trick to start Juve's title defence off with a 4-2 victory.

Juventus: Nicola Leali - 7.1, Ricardo Jiménez - 7, Jan Szabo - 7.4, Ostoja Pavicevic - 7, Mapou Yanga Mbiwa - 7.1, Jac Winter - 7.5, Damiano Gallaccio - 6.9 (Ansgar Halfar 74' - 7.5), Kwadwo Asamoah - 7.6, Manuel Paredes - 7 (Mirko Conti 90'), Gianni Marco Evangelista - 7 (Giorgio Di Siena 85'), Marco Intriago - 9.5

Goals: Asamoah 7', Intriago (3) 78', 85', 90+4'

Bookings: Asamoah, Evangelista, Jiménez, Pavicevic, Szabo

Copenhagen: Carl Jaksic - 5.5, Casper Oxtorp - 6.4, Pontus Jansson - 6.4, Tommi Aaltonen - 6.4, Lars Bo Christensen - 6.5, Tommi Veltheim - 6.4, Ole Overgaard - 6.5 (Joel Pohjanpalo 90'), Emil Larsen - 7 (Matti Vuorinen 78'), Niels Pedersen - 7.7, Nicolai Jørgensen - 6.9 (Mohammed Elyounoussi 41' - 7), Simon Makienok Christoffersen - 8.7

Goals: Christoffersen 65', Pedersen 73'

Bookings: Christoffersen, Overgaard, Veltheim

Man of the Match: Marco Intriago (Juventus)

[Mongrel]

November 2023

League

Just the three league matches in a month interrupted by international football, and unfortunately a record of 1-1-1 to show for it. We started strongly with a surprisingly tight 2-0 win over SønderjyskE at home, with late strikes to Pohjanpalo and Kristensen the difference in a tense affair. Goalkeeper Carl Jaksic won the Man of the Match award in a commanding performance. We were disappointing at home to AaB as we gave away a goal lead to allow AaB to kinda stay in the title hunt. The worst was to come in our trip to Herning, where FC Midtsjælland won thanks to a spot kick in the 76th minute despite just four shots on goal all match. We put out a half-strength side ahead of the Champions League fixture against Juventus, and paid for it dearly.

Our lead is cut back to six, but we have a game in hand and it will be against cellar-dwellers AGF in March. Speaking of which, AGF's failure to win any of their last sixteen league games resulted in the first managerial casualty of the season as Martin Vingaard was sacked about a week ago. This was a sad sacking, really, because Vingaard is a former FCK player and was a very fine coach upon returning to club after retirement. His first job ending after nineteen games is a bit of a downer.

Champions League

Well. After managing to throw away a 2-0 lead against Standard Liège at Parken, we sure made up for it by securing our passage out of the Group Stages with a 4-1 thrashing of Juventus at home. Anything other than a win would leave us with a tricky trip to Moscow to secure qualification, so thankfully we know we are going there with only prize money and coefficients to play for.

Back from a twisted knee, Tommi Veltheim was prolific in central midfield, while hat trick hero from the first meeting Marco Intriago came off the bench and provided an assist. For a five goal match, there were only sixteen shots on goal between the two teams as Juve preferred to hack our legs at every opportunity.

DFB Pokalen

Our one game this month was a straightforward 3-1 win over third tier side Helsingør (Elsinore for our Shakespearean fans) in our trip to Castle Kronborg. That was killed off by a first half Pohjanpalo hat trick, and sets up a quarter final meeting with VB Kolding at Parken.

---

MATCH OF THE MONTH

AaB 2-2 Copenhagen

Glen Riddersholm Aalborg BK side has stayed in touch with a Champions League spot following a come-from-behind draw against league leaders FC Copenhagen at Parken.

The home side controlled most of the match as they regularly peppered the AaB goals, but could only watch on as Juan Bautista Fernandez almost single handedly denied them three points.

Fernandez opened the scoring in just the second minute of the match after a lazy challenge from Kristen Thygesen allowed veteran winger Charis Fetsis to make the most of the challenge and earn a penalty. Fernandez, on loan from Sevilla this season, made no mistake from the spot to hand Aalborg BK the early lead.

But as is so often the case, a double salvo from FCK put them back in front as Nicolai Jørgensen cut inside the box on his non-preferred left foot to beat Nicolai Larsen with a fine strike. Four minutes later, AaB gave away a free kick in a dangerous area, and allowed Tom Kristensen the chance to have a shot. His shot rattled the crossbar, but Finnish winger Matti Vuorinen put in his third goal of the season to give FCK the lead.

Despite numerous shots on goal, FCK were unable to really test Larsen, with too many coming from a distance. Nicolai Jørgensen was especially prodigious on the left wing with seven shots on goal, but he could not add to his early strike.

Seven minutes after the break, Fernandez scored his fifth of the season with a lovely run to earn a point for the visitors who didn't fire a shot for the rest of the match - but, more importantly, didn't concede either.

FC Copenhagen: Carl Jaksic - 5.9, Kristen Thygesen - 5.2, Casper Oxtorp - 7.3, Tommi Aaltonen - 6.5, Hannu Hietala - 7.8, Jonas Petersen - 7 (Marc Budtz 77'), Tom Kristensen - 8.8, Matti Vuorinen - 7.2 (Jan Agger 77'), Ole Overgaard - 6.7, Nicolai Jørgensen - 7.8, Simon Makienok - 6.8 (Hector Knudsen 90')

Goals: Jørgensen 19', Vuorinen 23'

Bookings: Thygesen

Aalborg BK: Nicolai Larsen - 7.6, Hovhannes Hambardzumyan - 7, Boris Lumbana - 7, Mathias Nielsen - 7.5, Emil Jonassen - 7, Leyzinho - 7, Morten Koch - 7, Caj Lindberg - 7, Segun Ogby - 7, Charis Fetis - 7, Juan Bautista Fernandez - 8.6 (Mikel Ingebrigtsen 72')

Goals: Fernandez (2) (pen) 2', 52'

Bookings: None

Man of the Match: Tom Kristensen (FCK)

[Mongrel]

December 2023

League

Not a lot of action in December, with the long mid-season break now upon us (the season restarts on March 3). Still, we went a long way to putting one hand on yet another title by taking the six points on offer - the narrow 1-0 away win at Randers FC entirely unimpressive considering the level of opposition.

As we can see, Kolding conceded two late goals against Silkeborg and had to settle for just a point in their final fixture of the year. It means we have an eight point lead with a game in hand heading into the winter break, and it is very hard to see them causing us any troubles. A little chasm has broken between Midtylland and Silkeborg in the race for European football, and it looks like Esbjerg, Brøndby and FCM will be in a three-way dogfight for a maximum of two spots (depending on the winner of the Danish Cup).

Under new manager Thomas Gormsen, AGF claimed their first victory since the opening day against fellow relegation battlers SønderjyskE, but still remain eight points off safety with a game in hand.

Europe

Simon Makienok, you've done it again! A less than full strength side made the trip to Moscow for a match that meant little, but we still found ourselves down 0-2 in under 20 minutes in really disappointing fashion. Vuorinen got us one back just after the break, before Makienok scored two in the last ten minutes to steal an entirely undeserved 3-2 win. Nevertheless, we still finish the group second behind Juve.

In other, smaller Danish news, the two teams currently in the promotion spots as of December 22 are FC Frederica and Boldklubben Frem. In their 21st season of 1st division football, Frederica were relegated in 2021-22, but bounced right back up by winning 2. Division Vest. Inexplicably, they are in the box seat for back-to-back promotions, and their first Superliga season ever.

Frem are an interesting story in that they've won the Danish Championship six times in their history, and most recently competed in the 2003-04 Superliga. In 2010 they went bankrupt for a second time, and were relegated back to the fifth tier Copenhagen Series. In their last ten seasons of 1. division, they've finished 9/12 on four occasions and tenth on three occasions without being relegated.

[noikeee]

Very strong showing in the group stage even if that wasn't the toughest group ever, good luck for the knockouts. Danish league easy as ever, surely you're on course to win that yet again.

[Mongrel]

Very strong showing in the group stage even if that wasn't the toughest group ever, good luck for the knockouts. Danish league easy as ever, surely you're on course to win that yet again.

It'd take a disaster from here for us not to win it, really. I'm continually frustrated by the inability of any other club to consistently compete at this level - VB Kolding are the only club who has been thereabouts for a number of seasons on end, but they simply don't have enough fans to take the next step.

Part of the advantage of being in such a weak league is that I can get a lot of game time into a lot of different players. This is surely going to come in handy, because Tommi Veltheim and Hannu Hietala are making noises about wanting to move clubs. I think I can hang onto the latter, but Veltheim has been rumoured to leave for so long that if Lyon come with a big enough offer, I'll probably accept it. It leaves us with a big hole for the Champions League, but Kristensen has proved to be a great signing so far, and there are temporary options for cover at MC if he leaves.

[Mongrel]

Dortmund to meet Maikel's Barca, Inter and Real ready for showdown

Today's Champions League First Knockout Round draw dealt some blockbuster showdowns with five-time champions Barcelona set to face German giants Borussia Dortmund, and Serie A winners Internazionale set to meet twelve-time Champions League winners Real Madrid.

Signal Iduna Park will provide an interesting reception for Barcelona manager Maikel on Feb. 27, after the former BVB manager resigned from the club earlier this month to join the Spanish colossus. Barcelona, who sit way down in eighth place in the La Liga, lost patience with former manager Rafa Benitez after just nine months, and signed the former BVB and Mallorca manager to a five-year deal.

In other key showdowns, defending champions Juventus face an awkward tie against defending French Ligue 1 champions Olympique de Marseille after the latter club edged out Fenerbahçe by one point after coming from two goals down to draw in their final group fixture. The other French clubs, Lyon and PSG, face difficult showdowns with Bayern Munich and Manchester United respectively.

Two-time quarter finalists Copenhagen were given as good a chance as any of making it three in a row as they were drawn to first host Portuguese champions Porto. Mads Jacobsen's men managed a 3-2 aggregate win over Porto at the same stage of the 2021-22 Champions League, and will look for a good start at Parken on Feb. 21.

Definitely could have been worse.

[Animosama]

Definitely could have be worse ?

Youth intake dates coming up ? What position would you want him to be ?

[Mongrel]

Definitely could have be worse ?

Youth intake dates coming up ? What position would you want him to be ?

I think they are March/April, but I'm not really sure. The board has approved a request to upgrade the facilities, so hopefully we'll be State of the Art soon.

Dortmund complete €8.5M Veltheim capture

German giants Borussia Dortmund's title hopes have received a boost following the signing of 24-year old Finnish central midfielder Tommi Veltheim from FC Copenhagen.

The ten-time Bundesliga champions haven't won the German title since 2019-20, and sit eight points off the pace in four place behind Bayer Leverkusen. Der BVB will hope that Veltheim's signing will help boost Roberto Mancini's side that has struggled for consistency in their first half of the season.

Veltheim, who joined FCK in 2019-20 for €350,000, has had Bundesliga experience on loan with Düsseldorf and Frankfurt in the past, and already has an impressive tally of ten goals to his name. He made just 53 league appearances for FCK, but his elite passing skills and creativity make him the perfect capture for Mancini's side.

He'll find competition in the centre, though, with Dortmund having also completed the signing of out-of-favour Bayern Munich flop Lucas Medina for €8.75 - nearly €13M less than what Bayern bought him for two years ago.

Tommi Veltheim (2019-2024): 78 senior appearances, 5 goals

---

Fulham's Häggqvist completes €5.5M deadline day move

25-year old Fulham central midfielder Christian Häggqvist has signed with FC Copenhagen for €5.5M, the southwest London club has confirmed.

The Swedish international made 50 league appearances for the Championship club, but found himself disillusioned following the side's relegation to the nation's second tier this season.

"We are sorry to see Christian go, and we wish him the best in his future," the official statement read. "He has been a valued leader of the side, and hopefully this deal is beneficial to both parties."

Joining from Norwegian Tippeligaen side Vålerenga for €650K in the winter of 2022, Häggqvist was a solid member of a Fulham side that would be relegated in his second year at the club. He told Danish press that the lure of Champions League football was decisive.

"Copenhagen are a club on the rise, and I hope to be a part of something special there," Häggqvist said. "They have shown their ability to compete at the highest level in Europe, so it is an honour to come here."

Some former FCK figures were skeptical about the price paid for Häggqvist, and accused manager Mads Jacobsen of "panicking" after losing Tommi Veltheim to Borussia Dortmund two weeks ago.

"They've nearly spent all the money on him that they got on Veltheim," long-time goalkeeper Johan Wiland told Danish news channel TV2. "It reeks of desperation and panic. I would have preferred them to invest time in some of the younger players, instead of spending a lot of money on someone who hasn't performed in another league."

NUMMER 5

FØDSELSDATO

24/12 - 1998

NATIONALITET

SVERIGE

HØJDE

178 CM

POSITION

MIDTBANE

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It wasn't ideal to lose Veltheim, but he'd been wanting to leave for a while and it felt about right for him to move on. I think we got a fair price. I paid more than I wanted to for Häggqvist, but I think he can play the role of a ball winning midfielder more effectively, and isn't as bad as his performance for Fulham makes out.

[Mongrel]

Copenhagen back from the dead to keep tie alive

An inspired twenty minutes from FC Copenhagen has seen them come from 3-0 down to go into the second leg of their Champions League First Knockout Round fixture against Porto level at 3-3 in front of a sell out crowd at Parken.

In a disastrous first half, the home side went down 2-0 with veteran attacking midfielder Lorenzo Insigne putting the Portuguese side ahead early. After a low key start, the veteran Porto player was left unmarked outside of the box, and had no trouble powering a finish past the diving Danish goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen.

That prompted the visitors to push harder, and French striker Mbaye Niang forced a strong save from Andersen just minutes later. He couldn't, however, find a way to stop centre half Tommi Aaltonen putting the ball into his own net in the 34th minute as he was unable to clear a Xiao Xiaoming cross, and could only watch in horror as the ball rolled past the veteran goalkeeper.

The Finnish centre half had a chance to put it right by scoring at the other end as he was left unmarked in the box from a corner, but the once prodigious goal scorer was unable to convert his opportunity as FCK went into the break trailing 0-2 at home.

After creating all of the chances early in the second half, the visitors added a third goal that looked to ice the tie for them. Winger Josimar capped a tremendous run down the right with a fantastic cross - Niang able to get his head to the ball to beat Andersen for a third time.

But in the 78th minute, half-time substitute Mohammed Elyounoussi gave the home side a glimmer of hope as Niels Pedersen worked hard to draw a big save from Maxym Koval. The Ukrainian, tested rarely by the Copenhagen attack up to that point, could only watch as he parried the ball into the path of the Norwegian Elyounoussi, who finished the easiest of goals.

A louder home crowd was now getting behind their team, and they only had to wait two minutes longer as a lovely build up ended with Hannu Hietala finding the head of another substitute in the form of Matti Vuorinen. The 21-year old Finn, in his fourth season at the club, celebrated his fifth goal of the season with a full length dive to the corner flag, and Copenhagen were back in it at 2-3.

With minutes to play, it was another Finnish footballer who got on the scoresheet to put FCK level. Captain Ole Overgaard, moved back to central midfield after starting the first half on a left wing, fed the ball out wide for the quick Vuorinen. Capping off an excellent display, Vuorinen found the head of his compatriot Joel Pohjanpalo, who scored his eighth goal of the season.

Pohjanpalo, who was given a start thanks to the injured Simon Makienok, so nearly proved the hero less than two minutes later as again Vuorinen got the ball into the hotspot down the right hand side. In the ensuing scramble, Pohjanpalo put the ball into the back of the net for a likely winner, only for Niels Pedersen to be adjudged offside in a razor tight call.

The 3-3 draw means that Copenhagen still have a slim chance of qualifying for a third straight Champions League quarter final, but will need to go to Estadio do Dragao on March 12 to do it.

[Mongrel]

Unstoppable Makienok puts Copenhagen into final 8

Veteran Danish striker Simon Makienok Christoffersen's amazing season has continued, as his hat trick was enough to secure a 6-4 aggregate victory for FC Copenhagen in their visit to Porto last night.

Copenhagen, whose final twenty minutes of the first leg saw them come from 0-3 down to pick up a 3-3 draw, were in unstoppable form as they completed a 3-1 rout of the Portuguese champions in front of 50,948 at Estádio do Dragão.

In a fast and furious start, Makienok, who missed the first leg through injury, got the visitors off to a flier with a second minute opener. The 33-year old was left unmarked in the box, and made the home side pay with a header past Ukrainian keeper Maxyim Koval.

But with Copenhagen daring to dream early on, Porto took just two minutes to find the equaliser as Danish midfielder Tom Kristensen botched a pass across goals to Carl Jaksic -- winger Josimar finding central midfielder Vitor Loureiro, who easily beat the Finnish No. 1.

In a free-flowing match, Porto continued to create chances, but were kept well away from goals by the Copenhagen defence who made life relatively easy for Jaksic. Copenhagen, meanwhile, were continually dangerous on the counter, and in the 32nd minute it was Makienok again who popped up to put the visitors ahead from the corner.

The big Dane's frame inside of the box was a nightmare for Porto's central pairing who could not deal with his height advantage and impressive vertical leap. While the home side continued to take shots, it was the visitors who were getting theirs on target, and sure enough Christoffersen putting them on the brink of a stunning victory in the 65th minute.

The veteran had seven shots on target for the night, and could easily have added to his three goals. The €3.6M signing won't, however, lose too much sleep over the missed chances as his side survived a trip to Portugal with a 3-1 win. The most impressive part for the Danish side, who will play in their third straight Champions League quarter final, must be the turnaround from 0-3 to 6-4.

FCK join Juventus as the first teams through to the final eight.

[Mongrel]

Copenhagen and Man Utd set for quarter final rematch

Danish giants FC Copenhagen will face English opposition in the quarter finals for the third year running after being drawn against 2022 champions Manchester United.

Ole Overgaard's men will host Manchester United at Parken on April 3, before facing an imposing away leg at Old Trafford on April 9. The two teams last met at the same stage in 2022, where Manchester United overcame a 2-3 deficit in the first leg to win 6-5 on aggregate en route to their fifth Champions League title. Then they were managed by Antonio Conte, with new manager Luis Enrique enjoying an impressive season with United sitting top of the league.

In the pick of the other fixtures, defending champions and Club World Cup winners Juventus face Bayern Munich and Arsenal meet Barcelona.

A horrible draw, really, with United possessing a super strong side. I'd have backed us against Juventus and Internazionale, while Man Utd was definitely a team I wanted to avoid.

[Animosama]

Seems you expect to drop out here.

[Mongrel]

United in box seat following high scoring thriller

Manchester United have taken a 3-2 lead after the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter final against Copenhagen, following a victory away from home in front of 38,076 people at Parken.

The home side were yet again led by a brace from star striker Simon Makienok Christoffersen, but it wasn't enough to overcome the English league leaders who put one foot in the semi-finals with an inspired five minute window to open the second half.

Makienok got the hosts underway in the 29th minute as his continual presence in the box caused havoc for the Manchester United central defenders. A great run from Hannu Hietala down the left hand side allowed the Finnish international to find the head of Makienok who beat an out-of-position David De Gea. It was the big man's twelfth goal of his Champions League campaign, and had the home side dreaming of something special.

Unfortunately for FCK, star Italian striker Pietro Paolo Sirigu had other ideas, and equalised for the visitors just two minutes later from a corner kick. The disorganised Copenhagen defence struggled to deal with the former Juventus star, who put a powerful header away from the near post.

With the scores level at half time, and both sides surprisingly defensive throughout, Manchester United started the second half in the perfect fashion as 30-year old Nick Powell scored just eighteen seconds from the kick off. Some nice passing from the United attack ended with Powell being left unmarked on the edge of the box, and easily beating Carl Jaksic with his right foot.

United then put their third away goal on the board just minutes later as right back Lauri Pennanen failed to clear the ball behind for a corner, and allowed Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri to scramble the ball home from two feet away.

Despite the two goal deficit, Copenhagen were largely passive and the crowd began to grow restless as the two teams made few forays forward between them. But in the 80th minute, Makienok again popped up to give the home side a slight glimpse as captain Ole Overgaard weaved his way through the United defence, and then found Makienok with a perfect pass in board. The Danish international then made it goal number thirteen for this season's Champions League to draw Copenhagen in sight of a draw.

There was no equaliser forthcoming for the home side, who go to Old Trafford needing to win by at least two goals to have any chance of advancing to their first Champions League semi-final.

Copenhagen: Carl Jaksic - 6.6, Lauri Pennanen - 6.9, Casper Oxtorp - 5.7 (Kristen Thygesen 61' - 6.3), Tommi Aaltonen - 6.7, Hannu Hietala - 7, Jonas Petersen - 8.1, Tom Kristensen - 7, Emil Larsen - 7.1, Niels Pedersen - 6.7 (Matti Vuorinen 78' - 7), Mohammed Elyounoussi - 6.6 (Ole Overgaard 71' - 7), Simon Makienok Christoffersen - 8.8

Goals: Makienok 29', 80'

Bookings: None

Manchester United: David De Gea - 6.9, Raúl Nelinho Sosa - 7 (Gilson Manuel Santos 85'), Teodoro - 7.9 (Dedryck Boyata 76'), Tony Costigan - 7, Dylan Gorman - 7, Cláudio - 7.8, Marco Verratti - 6.9, Nick Powell - 7.4, Xherdan Shaqiri - 7.3, Dwight Charles - 7 (Gareth Bale 76'), Pietro Paolo Sirigu - 9

Goals: Sirigu 31', Powell 46', Shaqiri 51'

Bookings: Gorman 21', Sosa 77'

Man of the Match: Pietro Paolo Sirigu (Manchester United)

[Mongrel]

Dominant United advance to final four

English league leaders Manchester United have advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League following a 5-3 aggregate victory over FC Copenhagen.

In a one-sided performance, the 2021-22 Champions League winners, bolstered by the return of experienced centre half Phil Jones, put the tie to rest with two goals inside the first quarter of an hour, and were unlucky to not put at least another three past an unimpressive Copenhagen in front of 94,217 people at Old Trafford.

Copenhagen, who were impressive in the first leg at Parken, needed to overcome a 2-3 deficit in their trip to Manchester, but were stung almost immediately by £30,000,000 man Pietro Paolo Sirigu who got on the end of a great run and pass from Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri.

Striker Simon Makienok, who has been imperious in the box this season, also got on the scoresheet in the fourteenth minute - but did so in the worst possible fashion as his attempted clearance from the corner beat his own goalkeeper Carl Jaksic to hand Manchester United a 2-0 lead.

Just minutes later, Brazilian defensive midfielder Cláudio had the chance to make it 3-0 as he wheeled-and-dealed inside the box and unleashed a right-footed strike at the top right-hand corner of the goals. Stung by the scoreline, Finnish international Carl Jaksic made the first of a series of stunning saves that would characterise an impressive but all too active night for the Copenhagen No. 1.

Jaksic again denied the home side in the 33rd minute as he parried a shot from Shaqiri, as the Copenhagen defence continued to look flat-footed against the lightening quick Manchester United attack who were being fed numerous chances from the dominant midfield. Shaqiri had another chance to put the tie well beyond doubt in the 39th minute, but hit the woodwork for the first of three times Manchester United were denied by the goalposts.

Lagging behind in possession, Copenhagen produced few chances all evening and managed just four shots on goal to their opponent's seventeen. Nevertheless, it was Jaksic who saved their blushes as he kept United to just two goals despite the constant stream of chances for the home side.

With less than ten minutes to play, Finnish striker Joel Pohjanpalo replaced own goal scorer Makienok, and earned a small piece of consolation for the visitors with a goal from a corner kick. Nevertheless, it was never going to be enough as Copenhagen were bundled out in the final eight for the fourth consecutive year 1-2 on the night and 3-5 on aggregate.

Manchester United: David De Gea - 6.9, Raúl Nelinho Sosa - 7.7, Teodoro - 7.6 (Tony Costigan 74' - 6.5), Phil Jones - 7.2, Dylan Gorman - 7.1, Cláudio - 8.5 (subbed off 82' through injury), Marco Verratti - 7.3, Nick Powell - 7, Xherdan Shaqiri - 7 (Gareth Bale 69' - 6.5), Dwight Charles - 7 (Victor Ibarbo 69' - 6.5), Pietro Paolo Sirigu - 7.6

Goals: Sirigu 6', Makienok (o.g.) 14'

Bookings: None

Copenhagen: Carl Jaksic - 9.2, Lauri Pennanen - 7.3, Casper Oxtorp - 6.8, Tommi Aaltonen - 5.9 (Pontus Jansson 70' - 7), Hannu Hietala - 7.4, Jonas Petersen - 8.4, Tom Kristensen - 6.7, Niels Pedersen - 7.5, Ole Overgaard - 6.9, Emil Larsen - 6.3 (Nicolai Jørgensen 70' - 6.6), Simon Makienok Christoffersen - 7 (Joel Pohjanpalo 82' - 7.4)

Goals: Pohjanpalo 86'

Bookings: Kristensen, Aaltonen, Oxtorp

Man of the Match: Carl Jaksic (Copenhagen)

[Mongrel]

Youth Intake 2023-24

Most Impressive:

Karsten Gravesen

Jens Hansen

Nothing hugely impressive, but we take on eight players on youth contracts to bolster the U-19 side. Gravesen is probably the most impressive as he joins the ranks as another talented young striker. Not exactly what we needed considering the fact that I usually only play with one striker, but he's two-footed and also capable of playing on the right and in a central attacking midfield position. At least there is something to work with there.

Jens Hansen is an FC Copenhagen boy born and bred, and already has me as one of his favoured personnel, so that's a good start. He is, of course, another striker, and not quite as versatile as Gravesen. He's quicker and a natural leader, but is probably less well-rounded than Gravesen.

[Animosama]

Nice players

[noikeee]

Decent go at the CL this year. I chuckled at the idea of Porto having a Portuguese winger named Xiao Xiaoming. An American player too, don't think we've ever had one in real life.

[Mongrel]

Ahh that was a mistake - he's actually Portuguese (and one of the best wingers in the world)!

[Mongrel]

So I got a bit lazy during the season, so here is the Superliga update from after the break to the end of the season!

2023-24 Update

LEAGUE

No dramas en route to a tenth straight Superliga crown. The fourteen point gap was our smallest margin since 2019-20, but it was never really in doubt. We started 2024 disappointingly with a 2-3 loss to VB Kolding, but then won our next eight matches to all but seal the title. One highlight was the performances of Icelandic striker Ellert Jón Reynisson, who was actually transfer listed in the winter after returning from an unsuccessful spell at Odd Grenland in Norway. After 40 goals in 63 1. division appearances on loan at FC Fyn, he was lucky to remain at the club this season, but produced some good football in his first appearances at the club.

Late in the year we had some disappointing losses to AaB and Lyngby, but finished off the season on a huge high as we demoralised second placed Kolding away from home 6-1, with Simon Makienok scoring a hat trick to finish the season as the Superliga's top scorer from just 24 appearances.

The final home game of the season, a 4-0 win at home to Randers, saw us say goodbye to three veterans in their final professional appearances.

• Nicolai Jørgensen, in his second stint at the club, decided to call time on a storied career that saw him play Bundesliga football with Bayer Leverkusen, Superliga football with FCK, La Liga football with Valencia and Premier League football with Stoke. Accepting just €3.2M from Valencia for him back in 2017-18 was one of the worst decisions I made as manager, and it cost him a long career with FCK. 160 FCK league apps, 42 goals. 18 DBU Pokal apps, 8 goals. 53 continental apps, 12 goals. Overall: 180 FCK apps, 58 goals.
  
• Torstein Andersen Aase, who joined the club way back in 2013, calls time on a long career in Copenhagen that saw him play a sort of "super sub" for most of his career. A handy player, who crossed ten Superliga goals in a season just once in his career, was a fan favourite, and will be sorely missed around the club. 164 FCK league apps, 59 goals. 25 DBU Pokal apps, 14 goals. 64 continental apps, 21 goals. Overall: 252 FCK apps, 94 goals.
  
• Mikkel Andersen, at 35 years of age, calls time on a senior career that has seen him play in the Premier League, Superliga and Belgian Pro League. He joined FCK on a free in the summer of 2019, and was first choice goalkeeper for two seasons before being phased out for Carl Jaksic. A solid hand in goals who was once named the best keeper in the Danish league, he also managed two appearances for the national team. He'll make a fine goalkeeping coach. 66 FCK league apps. 9 DBU Pokal apps. 42 continental apps. Overall: 117 FCK apps.
  

AGF's horror start to the year cost them in the end as they fell three points short of safety along with SøndersjyskE. The change of manager saw some improvement, but it wasn't enough to chase down Silkeborg. Superliga new boys Aarhus Fremad and Randers did very well with small budgets, and managed to stay up for another season. It was a frustrating end to the year for Silkeborg, who sat fifth at the half way point.

In the top half, rivals Brøndby recovered from a poor start to the year to finish fourth, while VB Kolding won six games in the third period to ensure more Champions League football.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Another meeting against the English powerhouse cost us, and United went on to make the final. Unfortunately for them, an 87th minute winner from German midfielder Marvin Sorg handed Paris Saint-Germain their first Champions League title.

DFB POKAL

Rarely full strength, the boys made it all the way to the final again, but failed to defend our title as FC Midtjylland won the cup for the second time.

[Mongrel]

2023-24 Team Review

Key players:

Simon Makienok - A season to remember from the 33 year old who, rightly, earned a recall to Denmark's squad for the European Championships. His first season at the club last year wasn't all that special, but he blew everyone away with 35 goals, including thirteen in the Champions League. Unsurprisingly, he was named in the Dream Team from this year's tournament. Whether or not he continues to produce this type of football next season - I'm not sure, but right now he's playing some sensational football, and has all the attributes of a very fine target man. He's consistently a force with his head in the box. 231 career league goals now. So special.

Niels Pedersen - Played most of his season rotating between AMC and the right wing, and proved adept at both in his first full season at the club. The former Brescia man managed twelve goals, but, more impressively, twenty assists in an absolutely dynamic year. Many wondered why we spent €8.5M on another attacking midfielder, but he showed why with an average rating of 7.78 in ten Champions League appearances this season.

Ole Overgaard - The club captain was forced to play half of the season in central midfield, and was serviceable there in a consistent season. The other half was Overgaard at his dynamic best playing in front of Simon Makienok, and he ended the season with ten goals and twelve assists. His Champions League form was scratchy, but much of that has to come from the fact he was playing in a position he's not quite comfortable in yet.

Tom Kristensen - The €9M signing from Duisberg slotted into his role as the club's first choice central midfielder in the second half of the season, and was a constant force for good for his new club. He will want to produce more consistent football in the Champions League next season, but he was awesome in his return to Superliga football. The former Brøndby quickly endeared himself to the Parken crowd despite his heritage, and he managed two Man of the Match performances in a strong first season.

Lauri Pennanen - A low-cost replacement for departing captain Mads Pedersen, Pennanen featured surprisingly often in the side as he quickly cemented his place as both a right back and a centre half. The former AaB man average 7.33 throughout his first season, and is a physical specimen who sets the standard on the track. He works hard, and is impressive defensively.

Jonas Petersen - The departure of Tommi Veltheim allowed Petersen to come into his own in the second half of the season, and he went on to make fifteen Superliga starts and also four Champions League starts. It was in the latter where he really shone - an average rating of 7.97 including incredibly impressive displays in both legs of the Manchester United quarter final. He's a player to look out for, and spent much of his season working on his pace.

Key players on loan:

Søren Andersen - A €800K signing from VB Kolding engineered by my Director of Football, Andersen was immediately loaned out to Norwegian Tippeligaen side Vålerenga for the season, where he has currently made nine appearances and has scored seven in a blistering start. He has promise. 12 apps, 9 goals, 4 assists, 7.48 ave.

Fredrik Gravdal - In his third season at the club since his free transfer from Sarpsborg, the promising midfielder got his first season of Superliga football on loan at Esbjerg fB. He was instrumental in EfB's decent season with all of his appearances coming in central midfield where he proved an adept tackler. I think he might be ready for first team football, but there's a lot of depth in the centre at the club. 23 apps, 5 goals, 1 assist, 7.34 ave.

Ronny Sunde - Another 20 year old Norwegian, Sunde is a sort of victim of huge depth at right back, but the young man was a rare light in the darkness of AGF's season. In one of the league's most frustrating sides, Sunde produced consistently good football, but remains behind Pennanen and Thygesen as third choice right back. 24 apps, 2 goals, 3 assists, 7.25 ave.

Hector Knudsen - Made six appearances off the bench at FCK, before spending the second half of the year at Esbjerg. Opened his Superliga account against Midtjylland, but the eighteen year old Danish-Argentine striker struggled to adjust to the pace of the league in his ten league appearances. He's super quick, a decent finisher for his age and is a determined young fella - hopefully he gets capped to Denmark so I can make the most of him! 10 apps, 2 goals, 6.78 ave.

Anton Axelsson - Played most of the year for second placed VB Kolding in the Superliga with mixed results. Got some much-needed experienced at continental level, and hopefully will continue to develop. I worry about whether he can break through into the first team at this club, but if he can, the Swedish U-21 international is a future leader of the club. 36 apps, 1 assist, 6.76 ave.

Johan Zeylon - The highly talented Swedish midfielder got a full season of Bundesliga football with Hannover, and did not disgrace himself at that level. He managed to start most games, and picked up form after the break with back-to-back goals against Werder Bremen and Nürnberg. He's close. 34 apps, 2 goals, 4 assists, 6.65 ave.

Rune Povlsen - Played a part in getting Duisberg promoted to the Bundesliga as he made fifteen appearances (eight starts) and looked lively. I don't think he's ready yet, but looks an ideal replacement on the right for Emil Larsen, and if he can continue to develop he will be able to compete with Vuorinen. 18 apps, 5 goals, 2 assists, 6.80 ave.

[Animosama]

Great season hope you can improve upon it

[nie jem frytek]

How do you make this tables?

[Mongrel]

Great season hope you can improve upon it

Fingers crossed. I'm not exactly sure what part of the team needs strengthening at this point - probably another winger and, maybe, a left back. There's quite a bit of midfield depth now with Overgaard, Kristensen, Petersen and Larsen rotating through, while the €5.5M signing Häggqvist only made six appearances before ending his season with a torn hamstring or something.

Hagg isn't a world beater, but fills a need and is a really good leader at the club. If he can cement a first team spot, he's realistically a shot at the vice captaincy with Pontus Jansson winding down and already wanting to move on.

How do you make this tables?

I used Excel. I just copy the layout from Wikipedia, but it's quite easy to do that.

[noikeee]

Not very surprising you renewed your Danish title. Too bad about the cup. A great run in CL gives the impression you're getting stronger and stronger in Europe, and may start to challenge seriously sooner or later.

[Mongrel]

Transfer round-up for the summer of 2024:

Copenhagen lands Norwegian starlet

Danish powerhouse FC Copenhagen have secured the signing of Norwegian winger Tun Tun Win for a reported 9,600,000 DKK (€4,300,000) from Tippeligaen side Vålerenga.

The nineteen-year old, who has made eleven appearances for Norway's U-21 side, was a regular starter for Vålerenga this season, and in 2023 was the runner up in Norway's Players' Young Player of the Year award.

Win, who was born in Myanmar before moving to Norway at the age of eight, is known for his explosive pace, and his creativity on the right hand side will be a welcome addition to the Copenhagen side.

---

Liège land two Copenhagen youngsters

Standard Liège have completed the signing of two promising young Scandinavian talents, as they secured the signatures of Christian Larsen and Jan Sørensen from FC Copenhagen.

A €1,400,000 fee for Sørensen follows the €700,000 paid for Larsen earlier in the month, and bolsters the stocks of a side who seeks to recover from a shock third place tumble in last season's Belgian Pro League.

Sørensen, 21, joined Copenhagen from Rosenborg in 2021, and made 29 league appearances during his time at the Danish champions. Larsen, meanwhile, joined on a free transfer from Odense Boldklub in 2019, but failed to consistently break into the first team with 27 league appearances and one goal.

The 23-year old failed to make the most of the sale of Tommi Veltheim last season, but remains a lively central midfielder who will be capable of making a name for himself in the Belgian league.

---

Copenhagen swoop of Icelandic and Faroese pairing

Danish champions FC Copehagen have announced the surprise signings of youngsters Guðjón Jónsson and Bárður Jacobsen.

Jónsson, the Icelandic defender, has spent three seasons at Breiðablik in the Icelandic Pepsideildin, where he made eighteen appearances. The 18-year old joins Copenhagen for €180,000, and has already been capped by his national team.

The signing of AIK youngster Jacobsen comes as a bigger surprise, with the Faroe Islands international yet to make a league appearance with his now former Allsvenskan side. The €85,000 signing made four cup appearances with AIK, and scored one goal.

---

Esbjerg midfielder Jørgensen joins Copenhagen

FC Copenhagen have completed one of their most expensive signings of the summer, with a €775,000 deal to bring teenage midfielder Jens Jørgensen to the club from Esbjerg fB.

The seventeen year old made 21 league appearances with the Superliga outfit last season, and is widely tipped to be a player to watch in Danish football. His first full season of Superliga football saw him make eleven starts and score one goal in a solid debut season in Denmark's top flight.

Jørgensen's deal will keep him at Copenhagen until 2027.

---

No marquee signing, though there was one player where I was willing to spent around €5M to the club, but Wolves were being difficult. Maybe in the future. The Faroese signing seems a little odd at first, but I'd like to take the initiative and signs some players from the smaller Nordic states.

[Mongrel]

July/August 2024

So a perfect start to the season, with a small turnover of players meaning there's a lot of stability in Copenhagen at the moment. In reality, we've played a lot of the less-talented clubs in the league, but to be seven-from-seven is still a nice boost.

If there was any doubt of Makienok's ability to keep scoring, he's started 2024-25 off with seven goals in five starts, after scoring 22 league goals last year. Yeah, he's still got it. Apart from Makienok, Niels Pedersen has been a creative force playing just in front of Makienok and on the right with two goals and six assists in his six starts. He earned his first Danish cap over the summer, and must deserve more. Starting this season with just 34 goals from 155 Superliga appearances, Mohammed Elyounoussi has been a huge surprise with four goals from six starts on the left.

As far as matches go, the first blockbuster was the showdown with Brøndby in the New Firm Derby. The 3-1 scoreline flattered BIF big time - they had just one shot on goal, and of course that opened the scoring. We dominated with 67 per cent possession and twenty shots on goal, but it took until just before half time for Niels Pedersen to equalise. An even bigger crowd turned out to see a goal glut at home to AaB, where Elyounoussi scored twice.

To start the month of September, we hosted Superliga new boys Viborg and only managed the one goal despite controlling much of the match.

Despite going seven-from-seven, both FC Midtjylland and Brøndby IF are right up there with us on sixteen points. The real disappointment has been VB Kolding who spent €12M on improving their squad this season. Not only have they dropped points in three matches, they were bumped out of qualifying in both the Champions League and Europa League. With that sort of outlay, the heat could be on long-time manager Nicolai Wael.

[Mongrel]

FCK handed tough Champions League draw

Despite being seeded in the second pot, F.C. Copenhagen have been drawn alongside English powerhouse Chelsea, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Ukraine's Shaktar in this season's Champions League.

In what must be considered the group of death, Copenhagen will have to deal with Danish manager Martin Laursen's Chelsea men at Parken in our Champions League opener on September 18. The showdown also marks the first meeting between FCK and former captain Mads Pedersen, who joined Chelsea at the start of last season. The club legend will no doubt meet mixed reactions upon his return to Parken.

Arguably the biggest test will come against Paris Saint-Germain, who last year won the Champions League for the first time. Now under the management of Rémi Garde, following Carlo Ancelotti's retirement last season, PSG have won four of the past six French titles, and established themselves as a footballing powerhouse in last year's tournament.

Shakhtar Donetsk have won the Ukrainian Premier League seven times in a row, and managed to make it out of the group stages of the Champions League in the 2021-22 tournament.

---

A really tough draw, and the best we can hope for is to knock an inconsistent Chelsea out of second place. Going to be a challenge.

[Mongrel]

OPPOSITION IN FOCUS: AaB Fodbold

Aalborg BK

Manager: Anders Lindegaard (0-0-0)

Captain: Charis Fetsis

Key Players: Laurence James; Peter Jensen; Segun Ogbu

Key Transfers

IN: Emerik Grönroos (€45K, AGF); Frederik Rønnow (Free, Anji Makhachkala)

OUT: Morten Koch (Free, Esbjerg fB)

After seven years under the management of Glen Riddersholm, AaB are forced to start afresh following Riddersholm's appointment as the new manager of the Danish national team. His replacement is 40-year old former Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard who returns to the Superliga for the first time since 2009 when he played at Odense. This is his first managerial stint.

Under Riddersholm, AaB were a consistent threat, and have not finished below fifth place in the past six seasons. Still, there were issues for the side, and they only once qualified to the group stages of the Europa League - finishing fourth. Lindegaard has decided to rely on a couple of loan signings - Silva and Jaromir Drulak - to boost the side, while also signing former Copenhagen and Anji goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow on a free transfer. Veteran midfielder Morten Koch leaves the side on a free after 183 league appearances with the club.

AaB's strength under Riddersholm was its defence, and they will need Peter Jensen to continue to form the heart of the defence. Wingers Segun Ogbu and Laurence James will add experience on the wings, and they will need to combine well to give AaB the goal scoring power it needs to contend again this season.

2023-24: 3rd

Media Prediction: 3rd

[Mongrel]

OPPOSITION IN FOCUS: VB Kolding

Vejle Boldklub Kolding

Manager: Nicolai Wael (251-108-151)

Captain: Niels Højlund

Key Players: Nicolai Brock-Madsen; Heine Kristensen; Jimmie Lauritzen

Key Transfers

IN: Paco (€5.5M, Morelia); Panda (€2.9M, Botafogo), Sherif Nuhu (€1.9M, Hønefoss), Kenneth Bengtsson (€825K, Cottbus), Jørgen Simonsen (€775K, FC Midtjylland), Simon Holm (€350K, Lyngby), Jacob Friis-Topholm (Free, FC København)

OUT: Salah Gana (€1.2M, Galatasaray), Maciej Abramowicz (€825K, Málaga), Jakob Busk (€35K, AGF), Christoffer Remmer (€9K, Esbjerg)

Well, this was the year that Kolding decided to make the move with long-term manager Nicolai Wael finally being given some money to splash. And splash it he did. While Kolding took in €2.1M in transfer fees, they spent €12.25M including the big scalps of Brazilian pairing Paco and Panda. If that doesn't sound like a children's TV show, I don't know what does.

In reality, they were necessary additions to the side. Central midfielder Salah Gana had a career best season last year (29 apps, 5 goals, 7.41 ave), and got a deserved move up in the world to Gala. Paco's pace and passing abilities will make him an able replacement following three seasons in the Mexican top flight at Morelia. Veteran right back and former Danish international Christopher Remmer also leaves the club after years of good service. New defenders Sherif Nuhu and Panda (*sniggers*) will give the club a lot to work with.

Add in the potent attacking force of Nicolai Brock-Madsen and Heine Kristensen, and this is clearly the second best squad in the league. Brock-Madsen has scored 92 league goals from 152 appearances at Kolding, and last year scored eighteen from 28 starts. 27-year old Kristensen had his best season by far last year, as he partnered NBM ably with 16 league goals.

The big problem for Kolding, and long-time manager Wael, has been the start of this season. After nine games they sit fourth, four points behind Copenhagen, and have already been knocked out of both European competitions they were a part of. It will all be part of the long-term plan for Wael, though, who will hope the big investment into the squad this season on quality young players will set them up for a real crack at consistent Champions League football. They should be good enough to give themselves another chance at it over the 33 games this season.

2023-24: 2nd

Media Prediction: 2nd

[Mongrel]

September/October 2024

LEAGUE

Well after a perfect start to the season, the past seven games have been frustrating - thanks largely to the onset of the Champions League, which has of course forced us to rotate the squad a lot. It also didn't help that we lacked depth in central midfield, with Tom Kristensen badly injuring himself at the start of the season and putting a lot of pressure on the likes of Christian Häggqvist and Jonas Petersen.

We suffered our first loss of the year to rivals VB Kolding who came back from 0-1 down to score twice within five minutes to pinch a very important three points. An understrength side of ours was then forced to come from 0-2 down at Lyngby to snatch a point two games later, with Marc Budtz scoring his first Superliga goal in two seasons. The FCK youth academy product is now in his late twenties, and will probably move on at the end of the season considering he's never managed to seal a spot in the first team.

The other match we played against fellow contenders was the trip to Midtjylland, where we again gave away an early lead in a frustrating performance where there were twice as many fouls as shots on goal. That frustrating performance was compounded by a 0-0 draw at Europa League contenders Silkeborg, which left us sitting third on the table.

The month ended with two very important victories - a 2-0 win over Esbjerg fB was our first win in six matches following some Champions League frustrations, and it set up arguably the biggest New Firm Derby (eller Slaget om København) in years with three hugely important points on the line against Brøndby. A packed stadium watched former BIF player Simon Makienok Christoffersen score his eleventh goal of the season in the 78th minute to snatch a massive win to keep us right in the title hunt.

This is undoubtedly the most exciting Superliga season in years with four teams sitting within five points of each other at the top of the table. Midtjylland have been scoring goals for fun, while the strong VB Kolding squad is combining potent attack with rock solid defence to sit a point clear at the top. The next month-and-a-half before the midseason break will be extremely important.

At the other side, it seems relegation might be down to five with just three points separating eighth placed Esbjerg and last placed Aarhus Fremad.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Nothing really has gone right in the first half of our campaign, and we sit precariously with just one point from our three matches. Chelsea absolutely played us off the park in one of our worst European performances in seasons, and they should have won 4-1 considering a penalty was saved. We went to defending champions PSG next who put a similar hurting on us, but Joel Pohjanpalo came on late to score twice to give us a sniff. Unfortunately our three goals were split by a PSG winner, and that denied us any chance at a point.

Captain Ole Overgaard got us off to a good start in the match in the Ukraine, but we were unable to secure a victory despite numerous good chances.

Things are looking pretty dire, but we still have two home matches to make things happen. It'll take a miracle for us to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League (a win at Stamford Bridge is probably necessary), but I'm still hopeful we'll be able to play Europa League with a Parken showdown with Shakhtar looming.

DBU CUP

Understrength sides had no troubles in either of our matches against lowly sides FC Vestjælland and FC Helsingør. A good sign in the match against Vestjælland, with new signing Tun Tun Win scoring his first goal for the club, along with highly rated youngster Jan Agger, who two years ago joined for €5,000,000 from VB Kolding. He can play on both the left and just in front of the striker, and is almost a certainty to be a superstar for Denmark.

[noikeee]

Oh dear, looks like you've started your European campaign at the exact time your team decides to go on holidays, the crazy group draw certainly doesn't help but doesn't explain the loss in form in the league neither.

I like the sound of Tun Tun Win. Nice touch to try to help the Faroes by developing their best young players even if they're not good enough for your team really. Personally there's no way I'd be able to be that sentimental in the use of my club's funds , but it's an interesting side-story anyway.

[Mongrel]

Oh dear, looks like you've started your European campaign at the exact time your team decides to go on holidays, the crazy group draw certainly doesn't help but doesn't explain the loss in form in the league neither.

I like the sound of Tun Tun Win. Nice touch to try to help the Faroes by developing their best young players even if they're not good enough for your team really. Personally there's no way I'd be able to be that sentimental in the use of my club's funds , but it's an interesting side-story anyway.

Yeah, it has been a bizarre loss of form over the past couple of months, but hopefully that's a sign of some more competitiveness in the league.

I had been following Tun Tun Win for a while, and could not resist the prospect of a guy with that name running down the right side. I'm happy to invest some money in the Faroes - I'm always well under my wage budget, and I can never spend much of my transfer funds considering there aren't all that many expensive Nordic players that will come to me! At the very least I'd like for a few of them to develop good careers at other Superliga or First Division clubs.

[john1]

You have done brilliantly I'm tempted to follow you and do the exactly the same as you. Any suggestion on who to manage?

[Mongrel]

You have done brilliantly I'm tempted to follow you and do the exactly the same as you. Any suggestion on who to manage?

Thanks man.

Depends what type of challenge you'd like.

If you are looking for the current Superliga clubs, FC Nordsjælland are a decent option - they've had success recently, and aren't a Copenhagen club. Brøndby are a Copenhagen club, have a big rivalry with FCK and have had a lot of financial troubles recently (they only avoided relegation this year on the final day, too), so that could be a good challenge.

Outside of the Superliga, I think BK Frem are a good choice. They have a long history in Danish football, but have gone bankrupt a couple of times lately. Would be a nice challenge to return them to the Superliga.

Other than that, there's some good options in Finland, Sweden and Norway, too.

Good luck, and keep me updated!

[Mongrel]

November/December 2024

LEAGUE

There were mixed results in our final matches before the three-month winter break, but November was a success as we followed our victory over Brøndby on the first with a string of wins over lower ranked opposition. The win away at AaB was a particular highlight, considering it came just days before an important Champions League fixture. They had seven shots more on goal than us, and went ahead after just three minutes, but veteran youth academy product Marc Budtz continued a good spell of form, as he stepped up with a hat trick.

December was less successful, as a half-strength side failed to find the net against lowly-placed Viborg. In one of his few appearances thus far, Icelandic defender Guðjón Jónsson was sent off just after half time, and left us scrambling for a draw. In the huge top of the table clash at Parken to end the year, we faced VB Kolding in a competitive affair. They went ahead after six minutes, and even our full strength side failed to best them as we managed just one shot on target all match. Luckily that came from Casper Oxtorp just before full time to secure a point, and keep us top heading into the break.

The four-way battle at the top rages on, as we open a slender four point lead over fourth placed Brøndby IF. Kolding are really the team for us to beat, though, considering their potent attack and tremendously solid defence. They brought their A game to the Parken fixture to end the year, and will be a real threat after the break considering their lack of cup or continental football.

At the foot of the table, Aarhus Fremad are in real trouble four points adrift, and have just managed the two goals this season. They are scoring goals, but are leaking at the back something chronic.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

A definite missed chance in the Champions League as we finish third above Shakhtar on head-to-head, thanks to the 67th minute winner from Niels Pedersen in a high-scoring home leg to start November. That result gave us a sniff at qualification, and somehow after 21 minutes we found ourselves 2-0 ahead at Stamford Bridge. Unfortunately, Chelsea pulled one back just before half time as we went back into our shell, and then equalised in the 63rd minute to deny us three points.

Thanks to PSG's loss at home to Shakhtar, the final match at home to the defending champions gave us the following prospect - win and qualify for the second round, or draw or lose and hope like hell that Chelsea could account for Shakhtar. The Blues did - thankfully - 1-0, and Makienok let us dare to dream after 20 minutes. Despite dominating, unfortunately Carl Jaksic and Kristen Thygesen made horrible mistakes in the second half to allow PSG striker Mariano Bustos to effectively have two free shots on goal.

He converted both, and we were consigned to the Europa League.

DBU CUP

The one DBU Pokal fixture was at home to Esbjerg, where those who did actually show up were treated to a preview of the future as a young side crushed the Jylland side 4-0. Budtz again scored a brace, while Jónsson scored his first goal for the club from a corner.

[Mongrel]

At the half-way point: