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Madrid (dpa) - Chelsea FC coach Thomas Tuchel has expressed confidence ahead of today's Champions League duel at Real Madrid.
"We have now played some games at the highest level because we play in the most demanding league in Europe," said Tuchel, who had previously beaten West Ham United for a Champions League place with Chelsea in the English Premier League.
The 47-year-old therefore spoke of a “good time” for the semi-final first leg in the premier class.
"The best way to go into a Champions League match is with a decisive victory behind you," said Tuchel before the match in Madrid.
However, he warned against too high expectations.
“The level is so high in the Champions League semi-finals.
We shouldn't expect crazy things from us, but the same at the highest level, ”said Tuchel.
"Maybe we lack a little experience for a semi-final, but we compensate for that with hunger and enthusiasm."
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Chelsea and Real Madrid were among the clubs whose plans for a European Super League had caused trouble. Real President Florentino Pérez blamed the Londoners for the failure because Chelsea were the first club to refrain from doing so. Tuchel no longer wanted to talk about the matter. Real coach Zinedine Zidane was also tight-lipped. "We're going to play a Champions League semi-final and we just have to think about it," he said on Monday. "You shouldn't talk about the rest."
In terms of sport, Real Madrid has not always been able to convince at the national level.
"We have struggled and were always able to get things under control," said Zidane defiantly.
In La Liga, his royal team occupy second place in the table, so everything is open.
"We still have one month of competition ahead of us and we will fight to the end, no matter what."
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210426-99-363568 / 2
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Tuchel statements
Zidane statements