Mauricio Pochettino: 'We're expecting a tough game'

NICE

Galtier has done a very good job at Nice. They are a solid team, with a very strong block that leaves little space for the opponent. They are very strong on the counter-attack, they are a difficult team to play against, we remember the league match, it was not easy, we're expecting a tough match of course.

RAMOS

We know that with an injury of this kind, you have to follow the evolution on a daily basis, so it is difficult to know how long he will be unavailable for training.

the youngsters in the cup 

It's clear that having the youngsters available for a game like tomorrow's is a good thing, especially as there are players away with their national teams. We want to involve the youngsters in the team's success. So some of the youngsters will be in the squad tomorrow, and also because they deserve it, after what they have shown in the last few weeks.

MESSI

He trained well this week, after a period of absence due to COVID, he played 30 minutes last week, and I think he is fit to start the game against Nice on Monday.

NEYMAR JR

We don't know if Neymar will be able to play again before the Champions League. We have to follow the evolution there too, and the medical staff will prepare a new program for tomorrow, after the end of the cycle he has just finished. We will know more on Monday.

PAREDES' return

I don't think he can start the game, he came back early, he arrived this morning, straight to training. He did the first part of the training, and everything went well, but of course, we have to take the journey into account. If we need to start him against Nice, we can do that.

the schedule

We always work according to certain things, according to the circumstances: injuries, the virus or other absences. Physical work is important, especially when we have more time like at the moment. We also took the opportunity to work on certain aspects of the game, certain tactical aspects. We hope to see the effects of this work by the end of the season.