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Brann manager Freyr Alexandersson said his team is fully prepared for their UEFA Europa League match against Fenerbahce, underlining that the competition is of a serious sporting calibre. He noted that “This is the Europa League, not a Mickey Mouse tournament," and emphasized that defeating one of Türkiye’s biggest clubs would mark a historic moment for the Norwegian side.
Speaking at a press conference held at Brann Stadium in Bergen, the Icelandic coach explained that his squad had completed a productive training period in Spain after the end of the domestic season. He added that a 10-day break from official matches would not affect their rhythm, as they have already played 51 matches this year and have maintained a high tempo through periods of two to three matches per week.
Addressing questions about whether Fenerbahce’s missing players could alter Brann’s tactical approach, Alexandersson said they would not change their system. He praised the quality of the Turkish side, highlighting players like Asensio and Duran, and said their replacements would be just as strong.
He noted that he had analyzed Asensio’s recent performances, including a seven-minute video shown during a team meeting, before learning that the Spanish winger would not play. Although this would lead to some adjustments, he indicated that the overall plan would remain intact.
The Brann manager referred to Fenerbahce head coach Domenico Tedesco’s view that knockout-style European matches tend to carry a 50-50 balance. He expressed respect for the Italian coach and highlighted the strong position of Turkish football in Europe, pointing to the quality of Türkiye’s stadiums, players, and clubs, as well as the passionate atmosphere created by local supporters.
Alexandersson underlined that playing at home would provide a significant advantage. He stated that facing Fenerbahce in Türkiye would have made the challenge considerably more difficult, since the Turkish side performs at a higher level on home ground. He said Brann would aim to control the game, press effectively, and maintain composure, while predicting that Fenerbahce would be reluctant to hand over control to “this small city’s team, Brann.” He added that winning would be a historic achievement for the club, while failing to take three points would not constitute a major disappointment. However, he stressed that his players would do everything they could to secure victory.
Defender Vetle Dragsnes, who joined the press conference alongside his coach, said the squad were determined to perform at their best. He acknowledged Fenerbahce’s strong roster but underlined Brann’s confidence, explaining that they hope to give “a New Year gift to the city of Bergen” by winning the match.
Drawing on their experiences in challenging away fixtures against Lille, Bologna, and PAOK, he described the upcoming match as another difficult test and said they aimed to earn points at home.
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