The Blues came back from going behind twice to make it through to Thursday evening’s quarter-final draw, with our goals scored by Saul, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. There were nine changes to the side from Sunday at Wembley and just at the moment that team news was being announced, so was a statement from Roman Abramovich about his decision to sell the club.
Looking at the game itself firstly, Tuchel said:
‘It was huge difference to come from Wembley from a final, after which we gave a well-deserved day off to the players. Then you have one day to turn around your mind and settle into this new challenge.
‘There were lot of players out and we have more or less no defensive players and a completely new set-up and a completely new competition.
‘There was some noise about the club around of course throughout the day so it was not so easy to focus but we did very well. We conceded straightaway but then we had big chances not only to equalise but also to go ahead deservedly.
‘But then we conceded another one and in the second half we stepped up, we pushed relentlessly but never impatiently and we deserved to win. So full credit, we did not over-expect from us and we played a very humble match very seriously.’
The boss had words for strikers Werner and Lukaku. As well as both scoring, the latter set-up the former for the winning goal.
‘Timo played very well, I’m happy for that, and Romelu got his goal,’ said Tuchel.
‘That’s why we left them on the pitch. At the moment this is the most important match for them, even if they maybe think they should have played this match or that match. We want them to play with full focus and take this seriously because this is where you grow your confidence.’
Addressing the news about the club ownership, Tuchel said he had not spoken with the players about it, especially given the lack of time since the announcement.
‘Of course the players have internet connections and they watch TV so they knew and they get messages. But still we focused in the preparation only on the sport and maybe some players are more affected, some less, but in the end we managed to focus and to grow into this game and find the key to win it.
‘I’m not so much worried because I still feel privileged and in a good place and I hope and trust for the best. I’m not so much the person who worries too much about things that I cannot influence.
‘It’s big news, it will be a big change, but I’m also never afraid of change and will focus on what I can influence and this is with the team at Cobham.’
