9 hours ago
Hibs Europa League fate predicted as dismissive Midtjylland boss makes bold assessment
The Danish boss is fully expecting his team to get the job done against the capital club next month
Bold Midtjylland boss Thomas Thomasberg is supremely confident that his side will end Hibs ' hopes of qualifying for the group phase of the Europa League by dumping them out at the first time of asking.
David Gray 's men were dealt a tough hand in Wednesday's second qualifying round draw when they were paired against a side that reached the knockout stage of the competition last season.
Midtjylland boast a host of international players among their ranks including Poland forward Adam Buksa and Switzerland's one-time Rangers ' loanee Kevin Mbabu.
Thomasberg led Midtjylland to the Superliga title in 2024 and only missed out on retaining their championship last season to rivals Copenhagen by a single point.
The Jutland club will host the Hibees on July 24 at the MCH Arena before making the trip to Leith seven days later.
The winner of the tie will progress to the third qualifying round while the loser will drop into the Conference League qualifying section at the same stage.
But ex Randers manager Thomasberg is in no doubt that his team will be the ones celebrating over the two legs.
He told TV2 Sport: "Yes, of course we will.
"This is the first step towards that, so we have to make a really good attempt at that. We will also advance to the next round in the Europa League.
Despite his confident prediction, the 50-year-old insists they will do their homework on Hibs.
"Well, of course I know what Scottish football stands for," he added.
"There is some speed, some physicality in the game, but we need to take a closer look at the team itself and how they do it now, and we have plenty of time for that."
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