Jordan Flores says Bohemians must believe they can beat FC Midtjylland in their UEFA Conference League playoff tie this week.
Flores, one of two Bohs players with prior group stage experience, stressed the need for confidence. "You have to pay a team's respect because they're very talented, but not too much," he said. "You have to go in with full belief that you're going to win the game." He pointed to the team's calmness during their penalty shootout victory over KF Ballkani in the previous round as evidence of their mentality.
Bohemians enter the tie on the back of a dramatic win. They defeated Kosovan side KF Ballkani on penalties last Thursday after a 1-1 draw in Pristina. Pat Hickey scored the key away goal before the shootout, which saw defender Cian Byrne convert the decisive spot-kick. That victory secured at least €375,000 in additional prize money for the Dublin club. The tie will be played at Tallaght Stadium, which offers a larger capacity than Dalymount Park for European fixtures.
Flores brings valuable continental know-how to the squad. He previously reached the group stages with a different club in 2020, a Covid-19 affected campaign featuring one-off ties. He scored against both Molde and Arsenal during that campaign. His experience of being an underdog is directly relevant to the upcoming match against the Danish Superliga side. Alongside Sam Todd, he is part of a core within the squad that understands the demands of this level.
The current Bohemians squad is built with depth and talent. Manager Alan Reynolds has expressed trust in his players, notably in defender Cian Byrne's penalty technique. The financial boost from European progression helps offset costs like stadium rental. The team's morale is high following their comeback in Kosovo. For a detailed look at the players available, visit our squad section.
| Player | Position | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Flores | Midfielder | European experience, leadership |
| Cian Byrne | Defender | Decisive penalty in shootout |
| Pat Hickey | Forward | Key away goal vs Ballkani |
FC Midtjylland presents a significant step up in quality. The Danish side are regulars in European competition and are expected to be strong favourites. Bohemians will need to be defensively disciplined over the two legs while capitalising on any opportunities. The first leg is at Tallaght Stadium this Thursday, with the return in Denmark the following week. The prize for the winner is a place in the lucrative group stage of the UEFA Conference League.
Progressing past Midtjylland would be a monumental achievement for the League of Ireland side. It would guarantee further substantial prize money and enhance the club's profile. Regardless of the outcome, the run has already provided valuable experience and financial benefits. The focus will immediately shift back to domestic duties, where they are competing near the top of the Premier Division table. The European adventure has already been a success, and the squad is determined to extend it.
