Brøndby IF is preparing for a crucial Conference League playoff match against Strasbourg, seeking to end a 20-year drought of qualifying for European competition. The team will face the French side at Brøndby Stadium after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Head coach Frederik Birk has emphasized the importance of the game. Birk expressed his frustration with past failures and stressed the team’s strong desire to advance to European matches.

Brøndby has faced several setbacks in recent years, including losing the league championship in the final round in May 2024, and elimination from European competition against Legia Warszawa. A cup final loss also occurred after a poor first half against Silkeborg in the semi-finals.

Birk believes that these past experiences have led to a more mature approach that will benefit the team against Strasbourg. He referenced the Legia match, where the team was outdone by cynicism, and the Silkeborg game, where counter-attacks proved costly.

The first match against Strasbourg offered hope, but Birk wants better ball possession to create chances and relieve pressure. He noted the need for greater control and balance in the match to prevent the visitors from creating opportunities.

Defender Sean Klaiber is available for the match, but Clement Bischoff is suspended. Veteran Daniel Wass acknowledged the frustration surrounding the team’s past European failures but stressed the importance of focusing on the future.

Wass highlighted the significance of qualifying for Europe, both for himself, the club, and for Danish football. He noted that Denmark could potentially have three teams participating in European competitions this autumn.

FC Copenhagen is playing Basel with the hope of advancing to the Champions League, but they are guaranteed a spot in the Europa League should they not be successful. FC Midtjylland is most likely heading to the Europa League instead of the Conference League as they have a 4-0 lead over Finnish KuPS from the first match.