Thomas Tuchel and Edouard Mendy are two of several of the Chelsea travelling party with previous experience of playing away at Lille, and ahead of today’s UEFA Champions League match there, Chelsea’s head coach has been talking about their opposition and about his first-choice goalkeeper (Edouard Mendy).
The defending champions take a 2-0 lead to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy for the return match of this round of 16 tie, and Tuchel learnt plenty about the 2021/2022 version of Lille from our home meeting, when he again took on a club he faced when in charge at Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
‘To be honest, I think Lille played well here at Stamford Bridge,’ Tuchel declares.
‘They were very physical. They attacked high up the pitch, it was impressive. They had a good pressing game, they were very brave and had the mentality that they had nothing to lose and we expect the same thing today. I know the stadium well and the atmosphere that the fans create.
‘They will want to win and have nothing to lose and I know they like being in these situations,’ Tuchel added.
‘They’ll give everything to put the pressure on us and ask questions of us. They will play an attacking 4-4-2 that’s very fluid, aggressive and direct. We will have to be ready for that but we’re also confident in ourselves.
‘They were very physical. They attacked high up the pitch, it was impressive. They had a good pressing game, they were very brave and had the mentality that they had nothing to lose and we expect the same thing today. I know the stadium well and the atmosphere that the fans create.
‘They will want to win and have nothing to lose and I know they like being in these situations,’ Tuchel added.
‘They’ll give everything to put the pressure on us and ask questions of us. They will play an attacking 4-4-2 that’s very fluid, aggressive and direct. We will have to be ready for that but we’re also confident in ourselves’.
‘Edouard Mendy is a top guy with a very strong character,’ praises Tuchel. ‘He’s also very humble. I think everyone at Chelsea, including the supporters, wishes this success for him because he gives everything for the team. He is playing a key role today.
‘We’re so pleased with how he has developed, he’s been exceptional since I took over at Chelsea. He’s been mentally strong and on the pitch he is key to our top performances.
‘He’s very calm, and he transmits that calmness to our defenders. He always thinks about the team. He’s exceptional and I’m very happy to have him in my squad and I’m pleased to coach him, and it’s great to have him here every day, he’s a fantastic character.’
