Thomas Tuchel does not want to know anything about the political war that exists between the founders of the Superliga and UEFA and, in the press conference prior to the semifinals of the Champions League against Real Madrid, he wanted to make it clear that still have faith that the earthquake will not affect what happens tomorrow on the pitch. “I trust 100% in the referees and in UEFA. At this level they will surely send the best referees and I don't think they will be conditioned by a political motive. It is something that does not cross my mind“, says the German, who has confirmed that only Kovacic will be low tomorrow.
For him, as for Zidane, an expulsion from the competition would have been a decision difficult to understand in a sports environment. “We deserve to be in the semi-finalsLike Real Madrid, we are not where we are for political reasons but for a long journey in the Champions. We deserve to be here. If there are political problems in football, they must be solved there, in the field of politics. We are very confident that everything will go as it should, “he says.
In addition, asked about the possibility that some fans in England want Chelsea elimination just for signing up to the Super League project, Tuchel has asked that they too be able to separate both realities. “Do you think someone wants Real Madrid to eliminate us? We all make mistakes and if you run a club you may make decisions that not everyone likes. I love this sport. All of us here are very happy and excited for tomorrow's game, we need all the support to get through this semi-final. Make people angry with the idea or the way it was presented, but not with us“, asks.
Tuchel, who has claimed to be “a lucky guy” to reach the semi-finals of Real Madrid leading a great team like Chelsea, has criticized, yes, the new format of the Champions that UEFA has presented to face the Super League. Like him, many other players and coaches have criticized the overload that will occur in the calendar. “I don't see it well, I don't know, it's too many games.Have you asked a coach about this? Not me at least. Any player? I do not believe it. There are so many games, so many teams… Who is going to play these games? I don't like it, no, really, but hey, they haven't asked me about this, “he laments.
As for Real Madrid, the blues coach has assured that they will try to counter the more experience that Zidane's have in these phases of the competition with the hunger that the group has to reach a Champions League final. And, in addition, it has recognized the importance of Hazard at Stamford Bridge and valued the possibility of its ownership. “Eden is a top player, he was the most important here for many years. I have the utmost respect for him. Here they know him very well, both the players and the staff. Now he plays for Real Madrid, He returned the last game for a few minutes and if he plays tomorrow he will surely try to do his best. If they prefer to play with 10 it would not be a problem, really “.
Pulisic: “We need to have a lot of confidence”
Christian Pulisic, Chelsea player, assured that they need “confidence” to be able to impose themselves on a team with the Real Madrid experience: “I have waited for this game for weeks. The Champions semi-finals are not played every year and we have to enjoy the moment “said Pulisic. Regarding Real Madrid, the American pointed out that they are going to “demand a lot from them during the 180 minutes.”
“They have a lot of experience in this competition. We need to have a lot of confidence. It will never be an easy game. They have their history, we will respect them, but we have to believe in what we can do,” he added.