Lille’s Paulo Fonseca looking to deliver Marseille knock-out blow

Lille OSC can create a significant, if not unassailable gap to Olympique de Marseille when the two sides meet at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Friday evening. Paulo Fonseca is aware of the significance of the tie. 

With seven games to go, there is a seven-point gap between Lille and Marseille. The former are currently in fourth, which would see them qualify for the UEFA Champions League qualification rounds; the latter are seventh, which in the event of Olympique Lyonnais losing in the Coupe de France final against Paris Saint-Germain, would see them qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League. 

Should LOSC beat OM, the former would create a 10-point gap to the latter with just six games remaining, all but ending Marseille’s hopes of Champions League football for next season. Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, the significance of the game is not lost on Fonseca. 

“If we win, it will be very hard for Marseille to make up those 10 points. I’m expecting a difficult match because it is a very important moment in the season, for us as well as them,” said the Portuguese manager. 

Lille's Paulo Fonseca is receptive to Marseille's interest, whilst a move to the Premier League could also be on the cards for the Portuguese manager, whose contract expires at the end of the season – full story. (LP) ⬇️https://t.co/5zI1twh2te

Fonseca has been linked with an end-of-season departure from Lille and according to La Provence, he is receptive to reported interest from Marseille, who tried to pry him away from Les Dogues last summer. However, he is remaining tight-lipped on his future. 

“I am completely focused on the final matches and what we can do to finish in the best way possible. I’m not worried about my future and I’m just focused