After qualifying Chelsea for the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Thomas Tuchel, the architect of the rebirth of the London team, has appeared before the press. There, he has said to be sure that no one will be satisfied to face the blues in the next round and that they are the just winners of this tie.
What has been the key?
The effort and intensity in both games has been incredible. We have been missing four or five important players, but those who have entered have done very well, we have had a lot of support even from the injured from the stands. We were brilliant with the ball at times, but we never stopped being intense without it. We adapt very well. Deserved victory.
Was it a penalty?
Azpi got a little nervous because his assignment fell short, I couldn't see it well, but it was a moment of scare.
With what feelings do you go to the draw?
The most important thing is that we have the feeling that we deserve to be there. We have shown a lot of quality and intensity, and the players have to feel that we deserved it. I am sure that no team wants us in the quarterfinals, we are not afraid and we will accept whatever comes.
What has Ziyech given you today?
He has already reached the semis with Ajax. That is the reason why I put him on today, because he is a player with experience in this phase of the competition and, besides, he deserved it, of course. We had to replace Mount's intensity and work with his own to counteract the quality of Atlético's midfield and he succeeded. He works a lot and I am very happy.
How do you rate Kanté's performance at almost 30 years of age?
I do not look at the age of my players, but their performances. He brings an incredible, unique intensity, it is a pleasure to be able to train him. He is such a humble boy, he helps others so much and he has so many things … that for me he is a pride.
With what feelings do you go with the trident?
I think that in the second half we could have killed the game earlier, we missed that last pass, but I'm very happy with them.
Boot at Chelsea
From the first moment I have considered myself part of this family, it is a very organized club that only thinks about football. I have always felt supported, part of the club and the team, of course. The contribution of the players, the way they cope with each game, is incredible. The requirement of the Premier and what they give is incredible. We are going step by step, but from the first training session I saw very good things in them.