Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel has reacted to the club’s Champions League quarter-finals draw against FC Porto.
Tuchel said he is happy the Blues was not drawn against another Premier League team, adding that he prefers playing international clubs.
The draw handed Chelsea a meeting with the Primeira Liga side that have been their familiar European opposition over the years.
Chelsea played Porto 2004/05, 2006/07, 2009/10, and 2015/16 Champions League campaigns, with consistently tight results.
The Portuguese side knocked Juventus out of the competition in the round of 16 with two impressive performances.
Speaking to Chelsea official website after the game, the German gaffer said, “First of all, I’m happy we play an international game and not against an English team.
Read Also: UCL: Ronaldo Set To Dump Juventus After Crashing Out To Porto
“The Champions League is about that. I have always preferred playing against teams from other countries. Then we have the second leg at home which feels good, to start with an away game and then maybe have a slight advantage of finishing at home.
“Clearly, many people may take us as favourites against Porto. That will not help us. You can ask in Turin what the opinion about this is, and if it helps to be favourites.”
Former England midfielder, Joe Cole, has said Chelsea and Liverpool are both capable of winning the Champions League this season.
Liverpool, which won the competition in 2019, face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, while Chelsea has been drawn against FC Porto.
“Everyone would have wanted Porto,” Cole told BT Sport after the draw was made. They beat a really poor Juventus side on the night.
“Porto were okay, they showed that togetherness. They played very much like [Atletico Madrid manager] Diego Simeone’s teams play actually. Pepe was magnificent for them but he’s 38.
“Chelsea, with the run they’re on and the squad they’ve got, they’ve got to be favourites there. They will be delighted with that draw, that’s for sure.
“Under Tuchel, they look athletic and solid. They look like they’re all together and that’s important too.
“I think they’ve got the second-best squad in the Premier League. They’re in great form so you can’t write them off. I think they’re second or third favourites now.”
On Liverpool’s chances, Cole added: “You can’t write them off either.
“We’re sitting here thinking you’d take Liverpool in the draw but if they get it together, they can beat anyone. They will fancy their chances against Real Madrid, who are in disarray. It’s an old Madrid team. For me, they’re not a massive threat.
“Liverpool is a threat, they just need to get it together.”
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.