Thomas Tuchel: 'A big challenge for the end of the year'

BATTLE FOR THE TOP

"I have huge respect for Lille, who have been a very strong side since I arrived in France three years ago. Their coach is also very strong. He has a very clear vision of what he expects, and you can see that on the pitch. Playing against his team is always difficult, but talking to him before and after the match is always a pleasure. It will be a big challenge for the end of the year, but it's nice. I am very positive today. The team has trained well on Friday and Saturday, with lots of quality and a good mentality."

LILLE

"Les Lillois are very strong as a team, on the counter, at the breakdown and in front of goal. They counter with two centre forwards and two wide players. For me, keeping hold of the ball and having a rigorous and agressive counter-pressing will be the keys to the match. When we recover the ball, we can't lose it in the moments that follow. That's what's most dangerous in a counter-attack. Stopping it before it starts is the most difficult thing."

FIXTURE LIST

"The situation is very similar to the other European leagues. Everything is very tight. The teams that have played in the Champions League and have lots of international players look to be tired in the league. It gives an opportunity for the other sides to close the gap. I am expecting a much closer league than last year. But Ligue 1 isn't a sprint, but rather a marathon. Every point counts. We can climb up to first place on Sunday. We are confident in our ability but we need to keep in mind that it's difficult to play at Lille and that won't be any different tomorrow."