Hillerød targets top-six after Superliga flirtation

Hillerød Football is setting its sights on a top-six finish in the Danish 1st Division for the upcoming season. After exceeding expectations and finishing fourth last year, head coach Christian Lønstrup believes the club can aim higher, though he cautions against immediate promotion aspirations.

"After we finished fourth, everyone expects us to finish higher," Lønstrup stated. "I don't know if we have the setup to finish higher, but we can allow ourselves to set a goal of top-six." He highlighted the team's need to integrate new players and acknowledged that while their top performance is strong, their "bottom level is also too low."

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After we finished fourth, everyone expects us to finish higher. I don't know if we have the setup to finish higher, but we can allow ourselves to set a goal of top-six.

The coach anticipates a highly competitive league, with newly relegated Superliga teams and promoted clubs from the 2nd Division strengthening the competition. "There is no obvious favorite for promotion or relegation," he observed. "It will not be easier than last year to play at the top, because the 1st Division looks really good with strong relegated teams from the Superliga and very strong promoted teams from the 2nd Division."

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There is no obvious favorite for promotion or relegation. It will not be easier than last year to play at the top, because the 1st Division looks really good with strong relegated teams from the Superliga and very strong promoted teams from the 2nd Division.

Hillerød has bolstered its squad with the signing of experienced center-back Rasmus Thelander, a former Superliga champion. Lønstrup sees Thelander as a crucial addition, particularly for guiding younger players under pressure. "One of the reasons we didn't get promoted was that too many players hadn't played under pressure at that level before. Rasmus has," he said. "He can give the young players good advice... so by getting Thelander into the squad, the responsibility is also spread out a bit more."

Meanwhile, club captain Jonatan Witt, a long-serving player, is reportedly attracting interest from Superliga club Lyngby. Lønstrup indicated that the club would not block a move if a fair agreement is reached, recognizing Witt's value as a top player and "cultural carrier."

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One of the reasons we didn't get promoted was that too many players hadn't played under pressure at that level before. Rasmus has. He can give the young players good advice... so by getting Thelander into the squad, the responsibility is also spread out a bit more.