Ferencvaros goalkeeper and captain Denes Dibusz believes his side are preparing to face an opponent of ‘Champions League’ quality in Tottenham Hotspur.
The Hungarian champions host Spurs in the Europa League on Thursday following a 2-1 defeat to Anderlecht in their first league phase match. Spurs, meanwhile, beat Qarabag 3-0 at home despite Radu Dragusin’s early red card.
Tottenham missed out on Champions League qualification last season, finishing fifth in the Premier League, two points adrift of Aston Villa. However, the improvements under Ange Postecoglou were there for all to see.
The Lilywhites endured an underwhelming start to this campaign, but seem to be putting a run together with that victory over Qarabag coming amid a string of four straight wins across all competitions — including that impressive 3-0 thrashing of Man Utd at Old Trafford at the weekend.
Spurs supporters will very much have their sights set on returning to the Premier League top four this season.
Winning the Europa League to end their long trophy drought is also on the menu, with many bookies making them favourites to go all the way ahead of the likes of Man Utd, Athletic Club, Roma, Porto and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Either way, fans will demand Champions League qualification.
Spurs a ‘Champions League’ team, says Dibusz
Dibusz is under no illusions about how difficult their task will be on Thursday, facing a Spurs side he believes have Champions League quality and the potential to win the Europa League.
“Everybody is eager to play tomorrow’s game. This is one of the biggest home matches we’ll have. This excitement is motivation for us,” Dibusz told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday (via Football.London).
“They could easily be in the Champions League. This is the level they are at. They are one of the teams that have a chance to reach the final. They’re definitely among the top teams we’ve faced.”
Ferencvaros’ London-born coach, Pascal Jansen, added: “The way I see it, Tottenham are at another level to Anderlecht so we need to take [our play] to another level.”