Nordsjaelland head coach Jens Fonskov Olsen has admitted he has turned to Johannes Hoff Thorup for the inside track on Hearts ahead of Thursday's Conference League opener at Tynecastle.
Hearts saw off Thorup's Rapid Vienna on penalties in the play-off round. Olsen is hoping a bit of know-how from his fellow Dane and former Nordsjaelland boss can give his side the advantage in the capital.
Olsen seeks Thorup's advice
Olsen said: "As I came in here, he was the head coach, and then I got his job after a year. Of course, we talked to both Alan (Arac), the analyst, and to Johannes.
"It was two very tight games, both of them. We hope we can use the few tips that we got from them. I'll keep them (the advice) to myself."
Breaking the European barrier
The Danes are looking to advance from a European group for the first time. Olsen insisted: "It would mean a lot because we've never done that before.
"We've been, I think it's like 10 years ago or something, in the Champions League group stage without winning.
"I think we got one point, and then we were in the Conference League group stage three years ago, having 10 points in the group with four teams, but didn't promote.
"So, of course, we want to break that wall down this time and try to play European football also after New Year."
Hearts threats identified
Olsen has also made it clear that he knows where the main Hearts threats will come from.
"I followed the team a bit," he confirmed. "It's always interesting when you see the draw and you try to look at the history and what they've done in a great season last year, changing the coach and also sending a few players.
"But I think they started well, and the new coach is trying to build some layers on the style of play. I think it's an interesting place that Hearts are in at the moment.
"I've noticed, of course, especially the front four, I would say, with (Josh) McPake, (Claudio) Braga, (James) Wilson and (Calvin) Miller.
"But I also like the (Jordi Altena) right full-back, good dynamic player, can defend and can also overtake the wingers' position on the side."
Tynecastle atmosphere expected
Olsen doesn't think his team will be fazed by a big Tynecastle crowd. Olsen claimed: "We have a few teams in the Danish Superliga where there's also a huge crowd and fans that can do well to support the team. We tried it in St. Gallen as well. It was a crazy atmosphere.
"But I also know that it can be like that out here, where the team is good at melting together with the fans. We are looking forward to that.
"I hope there'll be a lot of fans out there because that would be an experience and a good way to develop for us as well."
Nordsjaelland skipper Tobias Salquist is looking to make an impact. The defender admitted: "We're going out tomorrow to win. No doubt about that. We're all excited.
"We've been looking forward since we knew that we were going to the group stages. I think it's going to be a good game.
"As you said, it's a good crowd. The mentality of fans here are a bit different than what we're used to.
"So I think it's going to be a good game, and we're going to give it all tomorrow."
The Danes have a full squad for the clash.
