Thomas Tuchel says Real Madrid will be "a tough challenge" for Chelsea
Chelsea were paired with Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League when the draw was made earlier on Friday, and manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted it will be "a tough challenge".
Image credit: PA Images Thomas Tuchel has been discussing the Champions League drawAll three remaining English teams avoided each other in the quarter-final draw, but Chelsea and Manchester City could face each other in the semi-finals should the Blues beat Real and City beat their city rivals Atletico.
Despite this, Tuchel said he is happy to be playing European opposition.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Middlesbrough, Tuchel said, "Tough one. The challenge cannot be much higher than playing the second leg in the Bernabeu with spectators.
"It's a big challenge but there is bit of excitement around this match and fixture. We know what's coming. It will be an exciting match and a tough challenge.
"It's not important [to avoid English opposition] but it is a European night and it is always nice to play European teams, and not play English teams at this stage, because you play so many times in domestic competition."
Chelsea are currently looking for new owners as Roman Abramovich aims to sell the club. The Russian was sanctioned by the UK Government a week last Thursday in response to his close connections with Russian president Vladimir Putin following the war in Ukraine.
Friday is the deadline for the submission of potential bids, but Tuchel admits he is not involved in the process.
On any new owners, he said, "Hopefully they love winning, that would be a big plus.
"I'm absolutely not involved, zero.
"I'm informed from time to time, but we have a pretty tight schedule so I'm happy not to be informed of every little step and chance in the process.
"Because that gives me also the advantage to focus on football and the staff here.
"So, of course, I'm informed but not asked and it's also not necessary, it's not my job and not my role.
"Everybody hopes it will be completed quickly. And as I understand the hope is and we can trust this is maybe solved quicker than usual.
"Actually, I am an employee and that's why I'm ready to play my role, so I'm ready to adapt and let's see what's coming.
"It's uncertain times and uncertainty can create sometimes for some people fear, it's normal."