Midtjylland boss blames cocky Hibs claim on someone else as he insists Europa League clash is anything but easy

Daily Record

6 days ago

Thomas Thomasberg has walked big his assertion that the Danes would take care of the Hibees over two legs
Midtjylland boss Thomas Thomasberg has reversed ferreted on his cocky claim his side will ease past Hibs – and even tried to blame someone else for saying it., writes Scott Burns in Denmark.
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In the aftermath of the Europa League draw, Thomasberg boasted the Danes will progress into the third qualifying round.
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But now he has stated David Gray' s side will present a stern challenge for his team.
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Thomasberg said: 'I have a feeling that somebody says it was an easy draw for us. Not at all.
'But we knew at that time we could have met Besiktas and Utrecht.
'Still with respect, I think that has been a tough opponent. But we also know that this will be tough.
'We are ready for what is waiting for us. Of course we have the experience. We have tried it before.
'Now it's the first one because when you need to go to the group stage, you play almost six weeks.
'Weekend and midweek. I think our players are used to it. But I also know that they have been waiting for this game.
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'So they are looking forward to it. I know they will put everything in they can, with heart and brain.'
The 50-year-old is now in his third season with Midtjylland and in his second spell as their manager.
He knows the job comes with expectations, but is also well aware of possible European pitfalls.
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Thomasberg warned: 'Yesterday I saw Copenhagen. They suffered for a long period against a team from Kosovo (Drita). We know all games in Europe and teams have quality.
'We are really prepared and ready for a hard game.'
He wants Midtjylland to make full use of home advantage. Thomasberg admitted: 'We're looking forward to the game. It's always a part of the club to be in Europe.
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'We want to go to the group stage every year. This is the first game there and hopefully we can perform well.
'Hopefully, we can get a good start at home. A good start is of course a win. If it's possible to win with more than one.
'It is also about getting a lot of good in Europe. To get to the group stage. Because that's also a part of the way this club will go. So it is very important for us.
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'And no matter who it is in these qualification games. There is only one aim. To get to the next round.'
There is a slight element of the unknown for the Danes, as Hibs have still to play a competitive game.
Thomasberg, though, is confident he will have every eventuality covered. He knows the threat of strikers Martin Boyle and Thibaut Klidge.
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He explained: ' Right now we have analysts who have had a good look at it. I have watched two games myself.
'They are a good and strong team. We need to do our best to get through to the next round.
'I have seen the game against Essen. There was a good atmosphere at the stadium, I think it was the club's 150th anniversary.
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'I have watched some of the games last season. I think it was a home game against Rangers 2-2 at the end of the season.
'They are a good and strong team. They had a very good period after a tough start last season.
'I think they have players who really play with their hearts. They have good offensive players.
'They can get in the box well on set pieces. Like we always are saying, we can't underestimate them.'