Lenglet: 'We're ready to compete'

Clément Lenglet gave an interview to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo this week, looking at the return of LaLiga action, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the team's training to date. Although the Frenchman will miss the game against Mallorca through suspension, he is excited about the run of fixtures coming up.

The return to training

“We're happy to be out on the pitch again and to see one another again, because we had two pretty tough months."
 
“When we are in the dressing room we are happy -and have the desire to compete."
 
“Right now we are in more of a 'normal' situation. It was strange going to training already in our kit, and returning home without changing."

Two trophies to play for

“We will have to work as best we can to compete for both trophies to the best of our ability."
 
“We want to continue working to win the Champions League. I think that we are in good shape; it's a peculiar season, but we are going to be working to the maximum to win both trophies."

The team

“We've spent a few months without playing, and for the players who barely have a break, this has been good for them. We've worked hard at the Ciutat Esportiva to get back to optimal fitness and I think that now we are ready to compete, win games and win the league."
 
“Even though we lack real game time, we are physically and mentally prepared."

His role

“I continue to work to play every game. I think that in the games that I have played, I've done a pretty good job. My job is to make things difficult for the coach; to make it so that when he thinks about the team at night, he has to make difficult decisions."
 
“I'm comfortable here and delighted to be here. I want to continue playing and winning trophies. I've had two very good years here, and I want to continue in the same way."

Messi

“He is ready for what is to come."
 
“For players like Messi, Antoine, Busi… who play all the time -as well as with their national teams- and travel a lot, the lockdown was a good thing. They've been able to rest."

Suárez

“Luis has had time to recover without rushing. He's looking good in training and seemss very comfortable on the ball. He is going to help us a lot." 

Dembélé

“We don't know if he'll be ready for the end of the season, but he's working to come back as soon as possible."
 
“We want him to return quickly, because he has a style that helps us a lot when he plays and that is very different to what we have right now."

Behind-closed-doors games

“It's something that I don't like much, but right now it's impossible to play in front of fans."
 
“Football without spectators is very different to a full stadium and that atmosphere. I prefer to play with fans in attendance, even if it's just a third full. It will always be better for us."
 
“As the away team it might help us to play without fans. We've dropped a lot of points away from home. But we've also won a lot of points at home, and I'm sure that many of thosse have come with the help of our fans."

Becoming a father

“I have a girlfriend who helps me a lot, and we are delighted with everything that is happening with us."