“I have 100 per cent confidence in the referee both in UEFA and in the competition,” Tuchel said during a pre-match press conference.
Tuchel is confident that the referee will try to whistle the best match possible
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he does not believe his side will receive favourable help from the officials or UEFA in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Los Blancos was considered one of the main architects of the failed European Super League. Chelsea joined before fan protests persuaded the club to leave, and there is now a sense of conspiracy around this fixture. However, Tuchel did not want to get involved. “I have 100 per cent confidence in the referee both in UEFA and in the competition,” Tuchel said during a pre-match press conference. I believe 100 per cent that any UEFA referee sends on this level. We need the best referees because it is very, very difficult, and I trust 100 per cent that the referee will try to whistle the best match possible.”
Mateo Kovacic will be missing for a trip to Madrid
“I don’t imagine there is any advantage or disadvantage due to sports political discussion. I don’t even want to think about it because it doesn’t exist in my eyes.” Tuchel has confirmed that he will only be missing one of his troops – former Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic – for a trip to the Spanish capital. “It is only Mateo Kovacic that we are missing,” he said. “Everyone else is available, and everyone else will be in the lineup tomorrow.” Chelsea are set to face some of their former players in Thibault Courtois and Eden Hazard, with the latter likely to play after returning against Real Betis last weekend. “Eden is a top-quality player, and he has been a key player here for many years, in the toughest league, so I have the greatest respect for him,” Tuchel explained.
“Of course, we talk a lot because Hazard was a great player here and a lot of people knew him well. He is fit, and he had a comeback in the last match for a few minutes to be ready tomorrow. If he plays, I’m sure he will want to make a point. Let’s see. Real Madrid have so many quality players; we have to face the challenge with confidence.”