Borussia Dortmund’s former crowd favorite Flemming Povlsen clearly sees his ex-club as the favorite in the Champions League opener against FC Copenhagen. The 55-year-old warns that two aspects of the Danish champions’ game could hurt BVB.
“First and foremost it would be about Mohamed Daramy’s speed on the left wing. There is also a chance in standard situations,” Povlsen explained in an interview with the “Ruhr News”.
The 60-time Denmark international added with regard to his compatriots: “If Copenhagen can appear as an underdog, they feel very comfortable.”
FCK can also count on “a stable and experienced axis” consisting of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, central defender Denis Vavro, Zeca in defensive midfield and winger Viktor Claesson, according to Povlsen, who was at Dortmund from 1990 to 1995.
“Light and shadow” at BVB opponents FC Copenhagen
The BVB opponent’s start to the season “didn’t go as planned”, “there was light and shadow,” explained Povlsen. “But now the team has caught up. Especially in the international games against big opponents, this team has often surpassed itself.”
In the playoffs for the premier class, Copenhagen had eliminated the Turkish champions Trabzonspor (2-1 and 0-0).
In the domestic league, Copenhagen is “the favorite in every game” and appears “dominant”, explained Povlsen. He still sees BVB clearly at an advantage. “The Bundesliga is played at a much higher tempo. BVB have to take advantage of that, FC Copenhagen will have to act differently than they are used to – and hope that they will surpass themselves.”
BVB icon would not “bet a cent” on FC Copenhagen
Povlsen does not believe that the Danes will cause a sensation in the tricky group in which BVB, Manchester City and FC Sevilla are also fighting for points. The former BVB professional clarifies that he would “not bet a cent” on Copenhagen.
“They will get a few points, Sevilla FC are struggling a bit. And history has shown that you should never underestimate the Danes. But I don’t think it will be enough for much more than a few respectable successes,” said Povlsen.