The Tuch of class from gent Frank
THOMAS TUCHEL comes face to face with the man he replaced at Chelsea in the technical area at Goodison Park today.
But the Stamford Bridge boss knows that, either side of the 90 minutes, things will be amicable with ‘gentleman’ Frank Lampard, who showed nothing but class when Roman Abramovich sacked him to usher in the German.
Asked if it would be a little surreal meeting Everton boss Lamps, Tuchel said: “A little, yes.
“I still don’t feel 100 percent comfortable because I took over from him in the middle of the year.
“We had a quick chat then because he was a real gentleman and sent me a long message after I took over and I replied to him.
“I knew the decision was done and that I did not have anything to do with pushing him out because I was happy to see a legend like this on the sidelines of his club.
“This is a very nice story and a story football needs, like Pep Guardiola at Barcelona and now Xavi at Barcelona.
“I like these kind of stories.
“So to play against him now at Everton is big, because I was also a huge fan of him as a player and he was a true gentleman when I took over.
“So, absolutely, I will be happy to meet him in person.
“Although we will not exchange any gifts... this is agreed.
“I am also excited because lots of people tell me how great the atmosphere can be at Goodison Park and this is one of the true, old-school English grounds.”
What won’t make today’s game any easier for Everton is the fact they are up against a group of players who are proven winners.
Not least Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has won every club trophy, and who captained his team for the 200th time in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Thursday.
Tuchel added: “He is just an example and has such a huge influence. He is humble, he is friendly, he is a family person and he is so, so hard working. He has the mentality of a real fighter.”