Davide Ancelotti warns: Lille will play their identity vs Arsenal

Davide Ancelotti, the coach of Lille, heads into matchday two of the Champions League league phase aiming for his side to show an identity when they host Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Tuesday, 21:00).

The manager said he has 23 players available for Europe, compared to 21 for Ligue 1. He also explained the call he had to make: Basar Önal was the one cut back on Saturday in the 1-0 win over Havre, but he “is part of the group” now. Ancelotti added that, despite being left out, they are still fully behind Tiago Santos, stressing: “we’re here to support Tiago… the most important thing is to stay close to him as people.”

He detailed the injury after the setback: Tiago Santos has a total rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The coach said Lille is handling the case with the FFF and the LFP, with the player outside the squad but not forgotten.