Toppmöller leaned toward the microphone before Lukas could even inhale to speak.
"It doesn't matter," he said firmly, scanning the room with calm conviction. "Manchester United, Lyon — whoever comes. We respect both teams, but we believe completely in our ability to win over two legs."
A reporter quickly followed up, "But you'll be without Lukas in the first leg. How does that change things?"
Toppmöller exhaled through his nose, the hint of a wry smile tugging at him.
"Yes," he said, "we'll miss him. Obviously."
The cameras instinctively shifted toward Lukas.
Lukas gave a small, sheepish grin — that classic "sorry, coach" look — and lowered his head slightly.
Everyone in the room chuckled softly, sensing the warmth between them.
Toppmöller continued, making sure the message was clear:
