Thomas Tuchel refused to answer questions about Chelsea's decision to re-sign Frank Lampard, dismissing suggestions he would be more motivated to win the Champions League.
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The 49-year-old traveled to England with his side Bayern Munich on Monday night ahead of Tuesday's quarter-final first leg against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Tuchel was sacked from his position as Chelsea manager in September but took over the reins at Bavaria last month, replacing Julian Nagelsmann, with the Bayern hierarchy hoping he can lead the team to victory. eat three.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are having their fourth manager of the season after dropping Graham Potter, with Lampard being given caretaker charge until the end of the season - replacing former caretaker manager Bruno Saltor - while the Thorough search for a new official coach is taking place.
Tuchel appeared to have aimed a bit at the Chelsea hierarchy last week after Potter was sacked, although he would not comment further on the west London club ahead of the clash with City. When asked about his reaction to the return of Lampard - the manager he replaced at Stamford Bridge in January 2021 - to the club, Tuchel shook his head and replied:
'ARE NOT.
'No no no. More Chelsea decisions. I'm wearing a different shirt and won't comment. So sorry.'
If Bayern beat Man City, they could face Chelsea in the semi-finals if the Blues beat Real Madrid, although Tuchel doesn't think that far and insists the nature of his departure no longer prompts him to prove it. that his former bosses were wrong.
When asked if he has any extra motivation to win the Champions League - and possibly beat Chelsea along the way - Tuchel replied:
'No, that's not possible. “I can give up my contract if I don't have a lot of motivation for tomorrow. It's pure joy, pure joy and a wonderful gift to be in a game like this, a Champions League quarter-final.
“Listen, Tuesday and Wednesday football is the competition you want to be in. If you are there as a player or if you have the opportunity as a manager it is a gift of life and I appreciate that very much.
"And it's my duty to give motivation, to contribute, to help and to give my all to my players." That's it. There is no longer any need for motivation.
"I can tell you I'm very happy to be back [in England]. I've enjoyed every day in England, coaching in England and the Premier League. So happy to be back and to be in the Premier League. this air. "But when the whistle goes, there won't be much joy or emotional thoughts, then we will play until the last whistle."
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