Aberdeen are bottom of the Scottish Premiership after losing their opening two matches of the season
Manager Jimmy Thelin has rejected suggestions that the safety net of the Conference League takes some pressure off Aberdeen's Europa League qualifying tie against FCSB.
The Dons face the Romanian club - formerly known as Steaua Bucharest - for a place in the group stage of the Europa League.
But if they lose the two-legged tie, they will drop into the Conference League.
However, when asked if it is a nice cushion to have, Thelin said: "I don't think so.
"You always, when you compete, want to be in the best level you can be - so our target is the Europa League and that is what we focus on.
"We don't think about safety nets or this kind of thing. You always want to be in the highest competition and prepare yourself for that one."
The first leg against the Romanian club on Thursday will be shown live on the BBC.
The game at Pittodrie will kick-off at 19:45 BST and coverage will start at 19:30 on BBC Scotland and the BBC Sport website.
Liam McLeod will provide commentary, with analysis from Dons legend Willie Miller and former striker Billy Dodds.
FCSB won 3-1 away to Kosovan club Drita to complete a 6-3 aggregate win in their third-round qualifier.
Thelin is expecting a difficult game against FCSB, but has noticed some weaknesses in their side.
"Always you have to focus on your own performance and your own game plan, but of course we are aware of their strengths and weakness," he added.
"They have some good ideas in their team, but also weakness that we have to be clear on how we attack. I think it is going to be an exciting two games.
"They have some experience, they have some players with good qualities and a good coach, so I am looking forward to the game.
"It is like a cup game, we have to be focused and we know the only way to get through is to win this round."
Meanwhile goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov says the Dons must be prepared to dig deep to secure progress to European football's second competition.
"It is really important, but we don't look at it that way - we have to look at performing. When you put good performances in, results follow," he said.
"There will be the odd game where you don't play as well and you grind out a result - for us it is about being consistent every week."
Team news
Thelin will give Shayden Morris until the last possible moment before deciding if he makes Aberdeen's squad for the Europa League qualifier.
Even if his knock makes the winger unavailable for the first leg, he may be registered so he can play in the return.
Mats Knoester is back in training and is available while new signing Kenan Bilalovic could be in contention. Marko Lazetic needs more time to assimilate after his move though.
