Claude Puel : "We can't make any more mistakes"

Do you already know which players you will play this Thursday against FC Oleksandria?

I don’t have a typical team. On the other hand, I have a homogeneous team and every player gives it their all. This team knows how to demonstrate solidarity and character. Every three days we play high intensity matches and we have to be able to count on everyone.

Do you consider your team to be the favourite to win?

We will not be the favourite to win as we will face a very rigourous team, with very good game principals that is very serious and well-organized. They perform counterattacks well. It’s no coincidence that they earned a point on our home turf. We have much respect for our adversaries, and we will have a hard time winning tomorrow, even if we are going to fight to get there. We’re behind in this competition.

Is this match your last chance to stay in the race to qualify?

It’s an important match, one that must allow us to continue to hope. We’re playing a mini-championship and we’ve arrived at the halfway point. We can’t make any more mistakes. We’re going to face a team just as determined as ours and that has the same number of points. We’re not playing on our home turf, but we must concentrate on our game and earn points.

William Saliba will unexpectantly be absent. Does his absence constitute a serious disadvantage for your team?

It’s first of all difficult for him because he had been constantly progressing for a month. Of course, losing Kévin (Monnet-Paquet), Yohan (Cabaye), Yann (M'Vila), and William at the same time puts the team at a disadvantage, because all the players are important. Luckily, this team gets along well and does their utmost to respond to challenges. Since my arrival, despite the small problems, we’re advancing. I hope that we’ll continue to do so this Thursday.