Updated January 29th, 2021 at 15:15 IST

Chelsea boss Tuchel reveals Tottenham affection while growing up but understands rivalry

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has cleared the air over his affection for Tottenham as a child and claimed that he now understands the rivalry between the teams.

Reported by: Arnold Dsouza
| Image:self
Advertisement

Newly-appointed Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has reassured the Stamford Bridge faithful they will be doing everything in his power to beat Tottenham next week after having previously admitted to having a soft spot for their bitter rivals. Tuchel was named as Chelsea boss on Tuesday after club legend Frank Lampard was given the sack following a poor run of form in the league. The German, however, admitted that he did have an affection for Tottenham as he liked the 'club's name' as a child. 

ALSO READ: Jesse Lingard Confirms His Move To West Ham United On Social Media, Loan Deal On Cards

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel explains his affinity for Tottenham as a kid

Ahead of Chelsea's game against Burnley on Saturday, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was asked about the accusations that he was a Tottenham fan during his younger days. Back in 2016, Tuchel's Borussia Dortmund drew against the Spurs in the last 16 of the Europa League and at the time, he spoke of his affection for the North London club while growing up in the Bavarian town of Krumbach.

ALSO READ: Liverpool's Defensive Woes Worsen As Fabinho Misses Spurs Clash, Matip Subbed At Half-time

In a bid to revise his opinion of Chelsea's old enemy, Tuchel explained, "I heard the name Tottenham Hotspur, which sounded like a big adventure and gave me a big advantage playing with my friends because they had no idea where that club was. I talked about that story with some of my friends as well.” 

However, the 47-year-old went on to state that he didn't even have a clue where Spurs were located or if they were a London-based club, but is now aware of the local rivalry they share with the Blues. "That was one of my first experiences. I didn’t even know it’s a club from London. But now I’m absolutely aware I work for their big rivals and you can be very, very sure we will do everything we can to beat them next week.”, Tuchel added.

ALSO READ: Chelsea Release Bizarre Video Of 16 Passes Following Wolves Draw, Fans Slam 'Cringe Post'

It's been a whirlwind few days for the German since his appointment as Chelsea boss on Tuesday. He guided Chelsea to a goalless draw in his first game as manager and will scarcely have a chance to catch his breath with games against Burnley and Tottenham fast approaching. Chelsea are currently at the 8th place on the Premier League table, seven points behind Liverpool, who are at 4th place.

ALSO READ: Liverpool Defender Virgil Van Dijk Fined For Speeding In His £100k Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Image Credits - Chelsea Twitter

 

 

 

Advertisement

Published January 29th, 2021 at 15:15 IST