During an appearance at the post-PSG vs Lille press conference this evening, 101 drew Lille boss Jocelyn Gourvennec on the future of transfer-linked midfielder Renato Sanches.
Xeka makes the difference
Two of French football’s biggest clubs went head to head a short time ago.
After reigning supreme in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France respectively, Lille and Paris Saint-German faced off in the Trophee des Champions, in Tel Aviv.
The latter, who have of course enjoyed a remarkable summer window to date, were without the services of a number of key performers this evening, including both Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
And Lille, in turn, went on to take full advantage.
A tense affair at Bloomfield Stadium was ultimately decided by the right foot of Xeka, who drove home the game’s only goal from the edge of the area on the stroke of the interval:
That is a rocket! 🚀
Xeka unleashes a thunderous strike which Keylor Navas stands no chance of saving 🤩
Ligue 1 Champions Lille take the lead in Trophée des Champions…#TDC2021 pic.twitter.com/TFZNI7LX8G
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 1, 2021
Sanches latest
As outlined above, though, following the full-time whistle in the Israeli capital, it was not only the clash itself which took centre stage in the post-match media exchanges.
First, Mauricio Pochettino was drawn on PSG’s links to Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. Check out what he had to say here.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Paul Pogba of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 1-1 during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on December 5, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Then, our own 101 reporter spoke to Lille boss Jocelyn Gourvennec, regarding the future of Renato Sanches.
Portuguese midfielder Sanches was not called up by Les Dogues this evening, after being handed an extended break on the back of his exploits at the European Championships.
Speculation surrounding the ex-Bayern Munich man nevertheless continues to swirl across Europe, though, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool understood to be keen on his signature.
In turn, after first congratulating Gourvennec on his first piece of silverware since taking his place in the Lille dugout, 101 quizzed:
‘I wanted to ask about Renato Sanches. He is being linked to a lot of teams. Do you feel positive that he will open the season with Lille?’
Gourvennec’s response, though, proved an altogether disappointing one for fans across the Premier League landscape, with the Frenchman having assured that, as far as he is aware, Sanches is set to return to Lille training this week:
‘I think so [he will stay with Lille]. He is very professional. Renato was a little bid sad not to come with us because it was a little bit difficult (after Euro 2020). But he will be with us this week. He will come back into the training session Wednesday probably.’
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