The Brighton captain has downplayed suggestions that representing an English club in the Competition League carries significant pressure.
Dunk expressed confidence that his side can compete with any opponent in the European tournament they secured entry to by finishing eighth in the league last season.
He acknowledged, though, that they must first overcome a challenging two-legged tie against Tromso.
While addressing Norwegian reporters at Romssa Arena, Dunk was questioned about Crystal Palace’s achievements from the previous campaign.
Reporters quizzed him specifically about the expectations facing Premier League clubs in this European competition.
Dunk said he would not describe it as pressure and suggested that previous success by top-flight clubs actually gives confidence. He noted that Brighton now operate as an established Premier League side with consistent high finishes, meaning they possess the capability to face such opponents. He stated the team feels capable of matching anyone in the tournament and expressed hope they would secure a positive outcome to take back home and complete the task.
Dunk recognises the test presented by their opponents, who currently sit third in the Norwegian top flight.
He noted the squad understands the opposition’s approach and emphasised that they are not arriving expecting an easy contest. He said they must raise their performance level as two matches represent their entire season’s efforts and qualification for the competition remains the objective. He added that while they expect a difficult encounter, they must back themselves to succeed.
The defender also suggested Brighton’s style could adapt well to the artificial surface if they manage to keep the ball moving. He explained the bounce and movement behave differently on such pitches, though noted most of their squad likely grew up playing on similar surfaces. Everyone has experience with 4G pitches, and he hopes some moisture on the surface will increase ball speed to their advantage. He acknowledged their opponents are strong, pointing to video analysis that shows they prefer building attacks through short passing. He predicted an intense contest requiring high pressing and anticipated an intriguing match with an uncertain outcome.