The Candystripes embark on their European journey with an away game against the 24-time Faroese champions on Thursday in the first qualifying round first-leg (7.0). It has been nine years since Derry last advanced through a round in a European qualifier, a statistic that Higgins is determined to change.
“If you follow the bookies, then they are the favorites for this game,” remarked Higgins ahead of the clash in Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands.
“People claim that bookmakers are always right, but we will go there and play with our usual style, imposing our authority on the game, and aim to return home with a lead. That’s our goal.”
“They are a technically skilled team. They prefer to play methodically, moving through the different sections of the field. They have talented players, including a few international ones. When you reach this stage of the competition, every match becomes challenging. This one will be no exception. If we execute our strategies effectively and approach the game with the necessary mindset, there’s no reason why we can’t secure a victory.”
Should Derry succeed against the Faroese opponents, they will face Finnish side KuPS in the second round later this month. However, Higgins insists that it would be unwise to overlook the current challenge.
“It may be a cliché, but it’s the truth. I find it risky to look too far ahead beyond this game,” said Higgins, considering that HB Torshavn ranks 83 places above Derry in the UEFA coefficient rankings.
“Some may underestimate a club from the Faroe Islands, but those days are gone. These clubs understand the game, know how to strategize, and will have thoroughly analyzed our team.”
“Honestly, I want to win on Thursday, I want to win the following Thursday, and if we achieve that, we will focus on the next round. Looking too far ahead is extremely risky.”
Earlier this month, Higgins traveled to the Faroe Islands to scout his opponents, observing their 2-0 defeat to league leaders KI Klaksvik. He acknowledges that matches like these offer a unique experience as a manager.
“As a manager, it’s a completely different scenario. You don’t have the same level of familiarity with the opposition, so we will study video footage,” added Higgins, who himself participated in several European qualifiers as a player.
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