Bruno Genesio floated the idea of playing with the reserves against Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty)
Lille boss Bruno Genesio has claimed he will play with the reserves when the Ligue 1 side face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next month.
The French side began their Champions League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Sporting last week – a match which saw England international Angel Gomes sent off.
It's a double whammy for Gomes and Lille, as the midfielder will now be forced to sit out for next week's clash against reigning European champions Real Madrid at the Pierre Mauroy stadium.
But it was a game against Real's rival Atletico that Genesio threatened to take the kids out for, frustrated with the club's schedule.
Lille have been scheduled to play three away trips in the space of eight days, the third of which is a clash against bitter rivals RC Lens, three days after the draw against Atletico.
Commenting on the match congestion, Genesio said: “Surprised, to put it mildly. I'm… I don't even want to say the word because I want to be polite. It's irresponsible, even though I know it won't make me any friends […] going to Monaco, Madrid, then Lens on Saturday, it’s simply scandalous.”
Before responding ironically: “Maybe we will go to Madrid with the reserve team to reserve ourselves for the derby. And then we would be criticized for not giving everything for the Champions League.
It is unlikely that such drastic action would be necessary from Genesio, but the 58-year-old's comments come in an ongoing debate over player welfare in football.
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Lille were comfortably beaten in their first Champions League match. (Image: Getty)
Earlier this month, Manchester City star Rodri spoke about the demands placed on professional players in the modern game.
Speaking ahead of a Champions League clash, the midfielder said: “I think we are close to it. I think if you ask any player they will say the same thing.
“It's not Rodri's opinion or anything else. I think it's the general opinion of the players.
“And if it continues like this, there will be a point where we have no other choice, I really think so, but let's see. I don't know what will happen but it's something that worries us because we’re the guys who are hurting.” “.
Less than a week later, the Spain international suffered a knee injury and is expected to be out for the rest of the season.
Lille face Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital on October 23.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1953989/champions-league-play-reserves-lille-fc-atletico-madrid