Thomas Tuchel 'not happy at all' about new Champions League format
The Blues boss faced the media ahead of Chelsea's semi final match versus Real Madrid
The Blues face Real Madrid on Tuesday evening in the semi final of the Champions League, in what is a huge match for both clubs as they look to end their seasons on a high and lift the most prestigious domestic trophy around.
I am always very admirable about how well Tuchel speaks in press conferences, as he once again faced many awkward questions about the European Super League amongst other things.
He was even asked about rumours whether he thinks the UEFA officials could be unfair to Real Madrid tomorrow because of the Super League fiasco.
He was obviously very professional in his answers on all of the above and didn’t get into any controversies.
“I trust UEFA and I trust the Officials,” was Tuchel’s simple response to that.
One thing that stuck out to me though, was his clear annoyance of the new Champions League format that has been proposed going forward.
These plans came out in the middle of the whole Super League fiasco, and looking at the plans it is easy to see why they timed it perfectly to try and hide it.
It is pretty much the same layout at the Super League, but obviously with more teams. Group stages will be banished, and it will go into a two league format, which obviously means clubs playing a lot more games in an already hectic schedule they all have.
Tuchel first of all pointed out how neither he nor his players have been consulted on these plans, and he feels they should have been. He is absolutely bang on as well.
“Did they ask any coaches and players about this?,” he barked in his press conference.
“No I don't think so.
“I'm not sure if I like it because I can only see more games. All of the discussions of ESL last week made us forget about new format of Champions League.
“We have too many games. I'm not happy about this format at all."
Tuchel did not hold back on this subject, and I can quite see a number of clubs contesting the plans due to the congested schedules and amount of games.
He was actually asked about the game tomorrow as well, because I mean that is the REAL purpose of his press conference after all!
He was asked if they need to up their level to beat a strong team like Real Madid, in which Tuchel replied..
"Maybe the next level is to keep the level. I strongly believe in my squad that we can do this. I truly believe we are capable of consistently producing high level football. The challenge is to keep the level."
COME ON CHELSEA!!
Written By Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport)