Christophe Galtier: "It'll be a free-flowing, full-blooded game"

ON Lens

"It's a great match-up to start the new year off with, in an extraordinary atmosphere and with our fans there. It'll be a free-flowing, full-blooded game. We're going to continue to perform well on the road, but Lens are formidable at home. They concede very few goals and are getting better with every season. It'll be a physical game, and my players are aware of how important it is."

ON BEING TOP OF THE LEAGUE

"No, we're not too strong. We're managing to win games, but they're very often difficult. Against Strasbourg, for example, we snatched the win after struggling, which is a good scenario for a squad to go through. Wins are things that we'll have to fight to earn."

ON Franck Haise

"He's a very good manager and a very good tactician. As a human being, he's a very good person, which is very important in my eyes. He's corrected a lot of things, which has made Lens a solid team. They're an excellent second-placed team in Ligue 1. Lens have become a big team in this league. They've got every right to believe in, to hope for and to dream of an extraordinary season. Given their points tally and the quality of their play, Lens are our toughest opponent from the first half of the season."

ON Neymar Jr'S SUSPENSION AND LEO MESSI'S ABSENCE

"The absence of Neymar Jr and Leo Messi is significant. We know how important they are; our attacking trio is elite-level. We've worked with the players and the coaching staff to find the best attacking setup possible, and I've got a pretty clear idea of what I'm going to ask of my squad."

on the transfer window

"I'm very happy and satisfied with my squad. There won't be anyone coming in if no-one leaves. Right now, no player wants to leave. The transfer window has only just opened, so we'll see how things develop, but I've got a squad that has been working very well since July."

ON Pelé

"The players obviously talked about him today. He's a player that left a mark on world football. He was a pioneer in his play, from a physical perspective. The years have gone by, and he has unfortunately gone, but he has accompanied every generation, and he'll accompany future generations thanks to his success and the quality of his play. I don't know if his list of honours will be matched one day. He did some incredible things that only he could do."

ON Kylian Mbappé

"I think he's going to take some time to get over the fact he didn't win a second World Cup. The fact that he came back quickly, showing such desire to lead the team to victory, is great. He's very dynamic, has a smile on his face and is very committed to his role: that of a player who is improving week after week and match after match."

ON El Chadaille Bitshiabu

"He has huge potential. We have a lot of hopes in him. Going out and getting another defender would be blocking his path. That's not my wish, nor that of Luis Campos. The club also wants to promote its young talent."

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