Thomas Tuchel
Was that a strange evening tonight give everything that’s happened today?
“No, the evening did not feel strange. It helps sometimes to have a fixed schedule, to arrive on matchdays is what we do so often. So this is a rhythm everyone is used to and it gives you a structure to feel safe. We arrived [at the hotel], had lunch together, had a little break, pre-match meal and tactical meeting, set-piece meeting, and then you go. So it helps you to be in this mode. Of course, there was a lot of distraction, another level of distraction actually with the sanctions. We could feel it, the players talk about it, they’re aware of it. We accepted it. As I said, I think the rhythm, the excitement, the love for the game, in general, helps us. We allowed ourselves and demanded ourselves to work hard, to sweat it out, to work together, and it was the best thing to get the focus back and enjoy what we are doing. Full credit, the team showed very good character and we can be proud that they produced performances like this under the circumstances. It tells us we are right to trust them, that the attitude is right, and the culture of the club is right. So we keep on going.”
Your players looked relieved after the full-time whistle
“I think we were only relieved because of the game. We played a fantastic first half and were 2-0 up, but we played the second half as if we were three or four-nil up. It is never decided in the Premier League at 2-0. We were high enough in control in the first half but the opponent changed things up and were stronger. They had nothing to lose, took more risks and we struggled, we conceded and it was a tight one. Everybody needs to know it is never over and you need to take care of it better. That’s the relief in the end, I think, in general. It is not about the situation because the situation might change again tomorrow, but it won’t go away.”
You’ve spoken several times about the players being individuals, do you feel the players had a point to prove after today’s events?
“I don’t think anyone needs this to be more focused or motivated. There are a lot of different situations. Today was another level of distraction and another level of with all that’s happening with the sanctions. In the day-to-day, like how we arrive at the game, everything was organised, it was pretty much business as usual with a lot of noise around, but the schedule of the day helps you. You go into your routine. I’m happy that they showed again that they love to work hard, hard as a team and are able to produce another win away. It is very good and it helps of course.”
What did you make of the Chelsea supporters chanting Roman Abramovich’s name?
“I did not hear them and did not understand them. It is the first time that I hear about it so I prefer not to comment. Sorry.”
There was on Christian Pulisic in the squad and Cesar Azpilicueta went off at half time, what’s the latest on them?
“He did not feel well, Christian, in the morning when we wanted to leave. With the last examination, he had two bad nights, felt ill, felt sick, had a bit of change of temperature, body temperature felt hot, felt cold, felt hot, felt cold. That is why he did not feel good this morning so we decided to leave him at home and hopefully get rest and sleep and get back soon. So that was a last-minute change in the squad. At half time Azpi had the same. Azpi did not feel well. A bit of a stomach problem and pain so we decided to take him out. He did not feel good.”
