Do not vent anger on players, pleads Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel has urged Chelsea fans not to vent their anger over the European Super League fiasco on the players.

Chelsea travel to Real Madrid for tonight’s Champions League semifinal first leg with the Super League’s collapse still reverberating around the continent.

Chelsea were one of the first clubs to pull out just 48 hours after the controversial 12-team breakaway competition was launched.

Blues supporters’ vehement public protests forced the club into a U-turn, but manager Tuchel has called on fans to back his team in their first Champions League semi-final since 2014.

“We need all the support to be able to overcome this huge step in these two games,” said Tuchel.

“So, put your anger to the decision, put your anger to the way the decision was presented, which is well understood by me and absolutely fine by me.

“But don’t put it on the team and never doubt the love that all the people here in Cobham and I’m sure all the other clubs, don’t doubt the love everyone has for this game.

“And you will see all the passion on the pitch tomorrow again.”

England’s “Big Six” clubs have all withdrawn from the Super League along with three more of the original dozen, although Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is refusing to give up on the concept.

Chelsea’s young squad might lack experience heading into tonight’s clash, but Tuchel insisted his fast-improving Blues have all the tools required for victory.

Tuchel is the first manager to keep Chelsea unbeaten in his first 10 away matches at the helm, with the Blues already boasting 17 clean sheets in his tenure.

Asked how Chelsea can topple Madrid, Tuchel replied: “Be ourselves. Rely on our strengths and do the things that make you confident.”

Mateo Kovacic will miss out but the Blues will otherwise have a full squad.