Mauricio Pochettino: "We like playing these sort of games"

Lille

"It will be a very difficult match, but we like playing these sort of games. We'll try to play in the best way possible. We'll use what we have at our disposal in order to cause them problems, despite their very solid defence. They're a fine team. We'll adapt to all circumstances in order to play as well as possible and to go as far as possible in this great competition that is the Coupe de France. We're analysing all possibilities, not just on a team level but also on an individual basis. Everyone is affected by what's going on, and we're not just considering the physical state but also the mental conditions. We'll choose the team best suited to making us win tomorrow."

SQUAD SPIRIT

"Now, the squad feels better. After the match against Nantes there were a lot of worries but the team is doing much better after the stress that was felt. We are a united team and the situation involving Marquinhos and Angel Di Maria affected the entire squad. We have no idea what would have happened had the off-field events not happened. We are positive and we hope that everyone will be available tomorrow for this important match for the team."

Neymar Jr

"The objective is that he plays again as quickly as possible. As we have said, the main thing is that he is getting better day after day. We'll see if he'll be available for the trip to Lyon, as that would be a good thing for the entire team."

Context

"An important period is coming up for everybody. We've been working hard for two and a half months. It's our responsibility to get results. It's important to win and to fight with the weapons we have at our disposal and that's what we are trying to do. No coaching staff has ever gone through what we are living through. A global pandemic is completely new. Even the epidemiologists can't predict the future. After two and a half months here with my staff, we've had more than 10 injuries, we've had the coronavirus affecting the players and the staff and we're adapting in order to find the best strategies and to win. We must also deal with the off-field circumstances like Sunday. Di Maria is fine, Marquinhos too, even if they had a lot of stress. Apart from all of that, I'm extremely positive. We are dependent only on ourselves in the league and in the knockout competitions."