Can Lille Beat Real Madrid? Here's What Meunier Thinks
Thomas Meunier, Belgian defender for Lille, said this Tuesday that "it doesn't matter if" Vinicius, Kylian Mbappé, or Dani Carvajal plays because Real Madrid is "more than just one or two players." He assured that despite the level difference, they don't need to feel doomed to lose, as "a positive result is never impossible."
Lille is set to face Real Madrid this Wednesday in the second round of the Champions League after losing to Sporting Lisbon in their opener.
"The feeling is good. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to beat them 3-0 with PSG, and we weren't the favorites then either. A positive result is never impossible. With our qualifying matches, we earned the right to face teams of this level, and that’s a reward. The coach kept telling us that a positive result is always possible," Meunier said at a press conference.
The Belgian player emphasized that despite the level difference, "there's no point in putting yourself under extra pressure."
"It's a new experience for some players, but you have to simplify things and focus on the basics. If you know how to do the simple things, like playing with your feet, making good precise passes, and finishing plays, it's important to focus on the fundamentals of football," he pointed out.
"For years, Real Madrid has been more than just one or two players. They're not just eleven players but twenty-five. Vinicius, Mbappé, or Carvajal, it doesn't matter. Anyone who steps onto the field will be tough to handle," stated the Belgian player, acknowledging that "many players might be thinking about the exposure a match like this can bring."
"You have to know that doing it solo is pointless. It's together, as a team, that we can achieve something. Everyone wants to be on the field. Nobody needs extra motivation. Whether it’s Feyenoord, Sturm Graz, or Juventus, there's always a game to win and points to earn," he concluded.