Scott Parker will make his managerial debut in the Champions League when Club Brugge host Benfica in the last-16 first leg on Wednesday.
The former Fulham and Bournemouth boss was appointed head coach of the Belgian side on New Year’s Eve.
Brugge have reached the knockout stage for the first time in the competition’s current format.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone at the football club,” said Parker.
“[It’s a] big opportunity for us, one to go and enjoy this occasion, this opportunity and also try and leave our mark on the competition as well.”
While Brugge have performed exceptionally well in Europe they are struggling domestically, sitting 20 points behind Jupiler Pro League leaders Genk in fourth after a 1-1 draw with Union Saint-Gilloise last Friday.
Parker has won just one of his seven league games in charge.
“Of course, the level of opposition we’re going up against is completely different to [the Belgian top flight] and we need to respect that,” he added. “We need to understand that we’re going up against a very good side in Benfica, who have quality all over the pitch.
“We need to show ourselves tomorrow, be competitive. We need to nullify any threats Benfica are going to pose to us. Hopefully we can expose and hurt a good side in our moments.”
