Lille manager Jocelyn Gourvennec has revealed his side were unable to foul Chelsea star N’Golo Kante in their 2-0 Champions League defeat at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening.
The Blues ran out comfortable victors in west London - the goals coming from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic - and now have one foot in the quarter-finals of the competition as they attempt to defend the crown that they lifted in Porto last term.
Despite not getting his name on the scoresheet, midfielder Kante was pivotal on the night as he claimed the man-of-the-match award and also played a vital role in Pulisic’s goal as he drove through midfield before playing the American through.
Lille boss Gourvennec said after the game that none of his players were able to halt the Frenchman - by both legal and illegal means - and praised his compatriot’s performance on the night.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: “He’s [Kante] an impressive player who gives others no time at all on the ball.
“He can break quickly, our man tried to foul him and couldn’t, that moment was the key to the game. Through intensity, he dictated the tempo for Chelsea.”
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The Blues will certainly hope that Kante can continue his impressive run of form as they aim to once again add to their trophy haul under Thomas Tuchel.
They travel to the Stade Pierre Mauroy for the second-leg of their round-of-16 tie against Lille and should they avoid defeat, then they will secure their place in the quarter-finals.
So far this season, Kante has made 25 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, with his appearance against Les Dogues being the first time he has completed 90 minutes in the Champions League this season.
Kante couold also play a key role for Tuchel's side when they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.
