Tuchel insists Lille will attack Chelsea with the mind set of having nothing to lose in their Champions League clash, he also praised goal keeper Edouard Mendy ahead of their game.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel believes French club and Champions League opponent Lille have a brave mentality ahead of their clash.
Lille lost 2-0 in the first leg to Chelsea at Stamford bridge and the Blues manager believes the French club will attack with the mindset of losing nothing in the game.
The German believes that Lille will be ready for them and give them pressure in the game but insists the will be ready to avert their problem in other to go to the next round.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash in France Tuchel said : “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.
“It’s half-time right now. No match is decided by a 2-0 scoreline. We’ll have to turn in another top performance. Lille played on Friday evening so they’ve had a good amount of time to recover. That’s why we have to be ready physically and mentally for a tough game.”
Chelsea goal keeper Edouard Mendy will travel with the squad to the country where he played before he moved to Chelsea and the Senegalese has received nothing from his manager but praise ahead of the game.
“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.
“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.”
