Saturday at 1 p.m., Mauricio Pochettino returned to a press conference on the situation of his team which will play its first L1 match this Sunday evening (8:45 p.m.) in Lyon. He gave no details on the state of health of Lionel Messi, forced to withdraw following contracting the Covid in Argentina. He did however affirm that the decision to allow Neymar to return to France a week later than the others had been taken before the truce.
Leo Messi is forfeited for this meeting. In what physical state is he exactly?
MAURICIO POCHETTINO: He’s under medical supervision, that’s the only thing we can say.
Is Neymar on schedule for his recovery and are you sure he will be back in Paris on Sunday?
We came to an agreement before his departure for Brazil to record his return on Sunday. He continues his preparation under medical supervision, and he is on schedule for his recovery. We hope all will be well in the coming weeks.
Did you experience any difficulties in preparing for this meeting and building your team in view of the health context and the many absent ?
All the teams are reduced, because of the Covid, injuries or suspensions. It doesn’t change much. We are part of these teams, we are no strangers to this situation. We just have to adapt, but it is neither more nor less difficult than in normal times. You have to make decisions.
In what state of form is Mauro Icardi? We saw a disturbing photo of him during the holidays where we imagine he is overweight. And where is his technical relationship with Mbappé?
Mauro is good, I don’t know which photo you are talking regarding. He trains well and is in good shape. Mauro and Kylian haven’t played much together lately, they have different characteristics. The relationship between Kylian and Mauro: they can complement each other, and bring interesting things to each other.
In the current health context, is it a good thing to organize a stadium in Qatar in mid-January?
I am not the right person to say if this is a good or bad decision. The people who make this decision have all the information to not take the slightest risk.
Who in your mind is Achraf Hakimi’s substitute for the right-back position: Thilo Kehrer or Colin Dagba?
Dagba is a right-back, Kehrer is a central who can play on the right and in different positions. Both are fit and ready, the decision is made but we will first communicate it to the players.
What is the best position of Xavi Simons according to you?
The big difference between youth teams and the professional level is maturity. But Xavi can play middle runner or higher to finish the actions, or even on one side. All this depends on the chosen system. He has several possibilities to play in different positions.
What do you think of Lyon this season?
It is one of the best teams in France, with a great coach. And in the end they will be in the places of honor.
