As the Champions League returns with several intriguing matchups, Lille prepare to host Juventus in a crucial game for both teams’ qualification hopes. On the eve of the match, Lille’s manager Bruno Genesio addressed the media in a press conference.
Genesio began by providing an update on the team’s injury situation, revealing a significant number of absences: “Umtiti, Tiago Santos, and Bentaleb are injured, along with Mbappé, Haraldsson, Cabella, Meunier, and Touré. Ismaily hasn’t fully recovered. André Gomes is also injured, although he’s not on the UEFA list.”
Regarding his expectations for the match, Genesio stated: “Every Champions League game is different, but there’s a fundamental parameter for achieving a result: commitment. Like Italian teams, Juventus is very well organized and very difficult to face. It’s important to be aware that we’ve already achieved two great feats in this competition. So we’ll play at our best, and we have our fans who will give us strength.”
Lille has already secured 6 points by defeating both Real and Atletico Madrid. Commenting on their journey so far, Genesio said: “Before Sporting in Portugal, Real, and then Atlético again in Madrid, we might have expected to have one or three points. Today we have six after overcoming two of the biggest teams in our group; Juve remains, however, and Liverpool. But this gives confidence! This doesn’t mean we’ve qualified, but as I said, it shows we’re capable of beating these types of teams. Once again, it will be very difficult.”
On the team’s star striker David, Genesio praised: “Jonathan David practices penalties on the eve of every match, often without a goalkeeper. But his strength is that he has very cold blood. And that’s the greatest quality. To be able to wait seven or eight minutes, as in the case of Lens, to stay focused on his shot and ignore all the consequences of his success or failure. He’s a guy who has many qualities, he has great confidence. He can miss two clear chances, but this won’t make him doubt for the third. He’s very strong!”
In conclusion, Genesio shared his approach with the players: “I talk little about the result with my players, more about how to play, how to achieve the goal. This is the most important thing, to eliminate the pressure we put on qualification. A victory would be a big step. But we haven’t arrived yet, there’s a big club in front of us, we mustn’t forget its history.”
