Thomas Tuchel admitted he prefers not to
face teams from the same league as his sides in Europe, with Chelsea awaiting
their Champions League semi-finals opponent.
Tuchel has guided the Blues to the semi-finals of Europe’s premier
competition for the first time in seven years after a 2-1 aggregate win against
Porto.
While they suffered defeat on Tuesday
night – after a spectacular overhead kick from Mehdi Taremi in stoppage time saw
the Portuguese side win 1-0 at Stamford Bridge – their work a week ago in Porto
ensured progression to the semi-finals.
Liverpool or Real Madrid will await them, with the Spanish
side leading the Premier League outfit 3-1 on aggregate. While Jurgen Klopp’s
Liverpool will hope to turn things around at Anfield, Tuchel admitted he
typically prefers to avoid teams from the same league in European knockout
games.
‘I don’t wish for nothing but in general, I like it in
Champions League not to play teams from your own league,’ the Chelsea manager
told BT Sport.
‘Because it gets a bit more the feeling
of the European competition but that’s the only thing.
‘Whoever deserves it – I think the game is far from over –
but I will watch it for sure. ‘It’s a pleasure to watch it as semi-finalists, a
great achievement. Tomorrow we will watch these games and there is nothing
decided yet. Everything is possible.
‘Liverpool is very strong at home, the
Premier League is strong. We take what we get, it’s a good situation for us.’
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount remained tight-lipped over
his preference, telling BT Sport: ‘We’ll take anyone. ‘We’re ready for the
fight. We’re ready for the battle. We get to sit down and watch it and analyze
it. We’ll be ready for anyone.’
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