Chelsea fear no one in Champions League, says Tuchel

Reuters , Thursday 18 Mar 2021

Tuchel was delighted with the way his side controlled the game against the leaders of Spain's La Liga but said there was still room for improvement

Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea's German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) and Chelsea's French-born Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy react at the final whistle during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge in London on March 17, 2021. AFP

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says his side should fear no one in the Champions League after the London club secured a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2014 with Wednesday's 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid.

Goals from Hakim Ziyech and Emerson Palmieri helped Chelsea complete a 3-0 aggregate win and extended their unbeaten run to 13 games in all competitions since Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as coach in January.

Holders Bayern Munich and Premier League leaders Manchester City are among the sides left in the competition, with the draw to be made on Friday, but Tuchel said Chelsea deserved their place among Europe's elite.

"The most important thing is we deserve this," Tuchel said. "They play with a special bond and results like this give you a certain edge to achieve special things.

"I'm sure no one wants to play against us. This will be a difficult challenge... But on we go, no need to be afraid. We take what we get."

Tuchel was delighted with the way his side controlled the game against the leaders of Spain's La Liga but said there was still room for improvement.

"We need to improve in counterattacks, we have to be more forward thinking, use our speed and exploit spaces," he said. "We are looking to be more clinical and precise."

Ziyech has fallen short of expectations since his move to Chelsea but Tuchel was impressed by the Moroccan on Wednesday.

"He suffers a bit with our style, he needs to adapt ... but I am super happy, this was reliable from him," Tuchel said.

Chelsea, who are fourth in the Premier League, host Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

Short link: