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 Champions League match there, our head coach has been talking about our opposition and about his first-choice goalkeeper.

The Blues take a 2-0 lead to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy for the second leg of this round of 16 tie, and Tuchel learnt plenty about the 2021/22 version of Lille from our home meeting, when he again took on a club he faced when in charge at PSG.‘To be honest, I think Lille played well here at Stamford Bridge,’ he 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.

‘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.’Mendy is likely to be one of those charged with putting in a top display on another return to the country where he played prior to his September 2020 move to Chelsea. He of course went on to win the Champions League after that and so far has 14 clean sheets from 18 appearances in the competition, a shut-out percentage better by no one who has played at least five games. Another clean sheet today would ensure our progress into the quarter-finals.‘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.’