Chris Brazell’s winning start in Europe
Former Norwich City coach Chris Brazell has made a positive impact in his interim role at Icelandic side Valur, securing a 1-0 first-leg victory over Bosnian team Zrinjski Mostar in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round. The win came under challenging circumstances, with Brazell stepping up following the departure of Hermann Hreiarsson.
Tryggvi Hrafn Haraldsson scored the decisive goal at N1-völlurinn Hlíðarendi, giving Valur a narrow advantage ahead of the second leg in Mostar. The result is a significant boost for Valur, who regularly compete in European qualifiers but are still chasing a deeper run in continental competition.
Brazell reflects on bittersweet opportunity
Chris Brazell, who progressed through Norwich City’s academy coaching system before moving to Icelandic football, described his feelings about the role as “mixed.” Speaking to The Pink'un, he said: “We started the season with our original coaching staff, looking forward to the Conference League games, so to not be able to experience them together is disappointing.”
He added: “Of course, representing any team in a European competition is a real privilege, and I think I’ve approached the opportunity with that attitude, even if I would have preferred it to have arisen in more positive circumstances.”
Brazell praised the team’s performance against a strong Zrinjski side, who reached the last 16 of the Conference League last season and have tested Premier League opposition in recent years. “We played with bravery and fluidity when we could and defended hard and together when we needed to. A good mix,” he said.
Young players given chance
He also highlighted the involvement of young players born in 2006 and 2007, saying their performances could open doors for them and inspire others. “That will hopefully create opportunity for them and the club in the short term and also remind the young players coming up that the magic of European football is within their reach.”
Looking ahead to tough second leg in Bosnia
Brazell is preparing for a difficult return fixture in Mostar on Thursday, mindful of both the quality of the opposition and the travel demands. “The second leg will be very challenging due to both opposition and logistics. We have to respect the opponent, and their achievements at home in recent seasons are no fluke,” he said.
He acknowledged the high standard of the competition, noting that the winner will face GAIS or Nordsjælland in the next qualifying round. “This competition makes you realise how high the level is everywhere; the winner of this tie will play GAIS or Nordsjaelland in the next round, and that’s still just the qualification phase.”
“The key is to just deliver the best performance we can and represent ourselves and Iceland positively on the European stage.”