Danish newcomers FC Nordsjaelland will not be intimidated when they meet defending champions Chelsea in their first ever Champions League home game, says coach Kasper Hjulmand.
Nordsjaelland earned their place among the European elite by winning the Danish title for the first time in their history last season.
It has obliged the modest club from the eastern town of Farum to re-locate to Copenhagen for their home matches in the competition.
Their usual home, Farum Park, seats only 9,800 fans, but 25,000 supporters are expected to flock to Parken Stadium in the Danish capital for the Group E encounter on Tuesday.
Nordsjaelland began their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk two weeks ago but Hjulmand says his side will perservere with their high-tempo, attacking approach against Chelsea.
"We're so proud to be here to join this competition and the first match at home is very special for us," he said on Monday.
"Two weeks ago we played our first group-stage match in Europe and now playing at home gives us a lot of joy and a lot of pride.
"One of the biggest things is to show who we are, play the way we do, and take confidence from the results of the last two to three years.
"What we're facing now is the biggest test of all, meeting the Champions League champions. They are one of the best teams in the world.
"One salary of one of their players would be our entire budget for a year. It's a good job we're competing on the pitch, rather than in money.
"But the main thing is to go out and compete. We have to play in a collective style, help each other out there, and play with a lot of passion and a lot of courage."
Source: AFP
