Tuchel Speaks Unbelievably About Mourinho Ahead Of Thursday’s Encounter

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has labelled Jose Mourinho as one of the best managers in the world ahead of facing the Portuguese for the first time on Thursday night.

The German admitted reaching Mourinho’s level seemed ‘so far away’ at the beginning of his managerial career.

Speaking about Mourinho at his pre-match press conference ahead of the game at Tottenham, Tuchel said:

‘It’s Tottenham against Chelsea, not me against Jose. I am very happy to compete with a strong team against his side, with a squad with our quality, mentality and the atmosphere we’re in right now.

‘Was he a role model? Honestly, when I started my career he was so far away, like the moon from the earth.

‘I was coaching in an academy and was then promoted, from there on I just enjoyed every day.

‘I have no doubts he is one of the best managers in the world and has created a squad at Tottenham that is always competitive, very strong. That is the challenge.’

Mourinho, who managed the Blues on two occasions from 2004-07 and 2013-15, was at Inter Milan when Tuchel took his first top job with Bundesliga club Mainz in 2009. 

Meanwhile, Tuchel also said Spurs were now ‘one of the biggest clubs in Europe’, adding that Thursday’s game should be easier with the home side missing star striker Harry Kane through injury.

‘I would say it’s always easier if Harry Kane is not playing, that is a given. Harry Kane is one of the best number nines in the world, a role model number nine that every coach and team wishes for.’