Ferencvarosi predicted line-up v TNS as Norwich and Sunderland linked coach faces first test

TNS face a huge challenge in the Champions League tonight as they face Ferencvarosi at the Groupama Arena.

Craig Harrison’s side made easy work of FC Decic and now they’re at the home of the 1974 European Cup Winners’ Cup runners-up. They also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, losing to Wolves. 

This is the first time since 2021 that the Hungarian side will have played a team from a Home Nation. They were in the same group as Celtic and finished bottom, losing 3-0 and 2-0.

To help get more of an understanding of just what kind of challenge TNS will face tonight, we speak to the Hungarian football page Hungarian Football Xtra. We discuss the opinion of Pascal Jansen, Ferencvaro’s head coach who was strongly linked to both Norwich City and Sunderland, as well as their transfer business. 

What players should TNS be most wary of? 

Abu Fani top tier playmaker, his first touch and passing is magical. Marquinhos is very fast, skilful full winger with very good shooting technique.

Ferencvárosi predicted line-up.

Dibusz D.

C. Makreckis – I. Cissé – R. Gustavo – C. Ramírez

H. Maiga – M. Abu Fani

Adama T. – Kady B. – Marquinhos

A. Pesic

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Pascal Jansen was somewhat of a smart appointment given his links to Norwich City and Sunderland. What are Ferencvarosi expecting from him, and what kind of manager has he shown to be so far?

He is tier coach, looks like the players really like him as well. They looked really solid in pre-season and played good football. The obvious exception is to win the league but under him, I feel like they have a chance to reach the UCL league phase with a little luck.

€3.68m spent according to TransferMarkt including the arrivals of Kady Borges and Philippe Rommens. How would you assess their transfer business?

Two good players for sure, as of now I don’t know Rommens was needed, but since there is interest in Abu Fani, it might be better to buy him now before someone else does (Club Brugge was interested as well).

Kady going to be a much-needed addition, I think Ferencváros needed a player like his profile. Overall I think most of the signing were needed for sure and Ferencváros always has a deep squad anyway.

How do you expect the game to pan out?

I expect Ferencváros to dominate, and have the ball for most of the match. The first match being in Budapest is I think a benefit, the players and Jansen will definitely want to impress the fans, they can’t underestimate anyone, especially after last year’s shock exit against Klaksvík.

(Featured Image: Steffen Prößdorf/Wiki Commons)