THOMAS TUCHEL backs the Premier League in the row with Fifa over sending top stars to play in ‘red-list’ countries.
Chelsea’s boss has already spoken to Brazil defender Thiago Silva about refusing to travel to Chile next week for their World Cup qualifier.
Tuchel, 47, said: “We had a conversation very early, when the decision was in doubt.
“And when we heard about the regulations, like if Thiago goes to a red-list country he will play three times and come back, sit in a hotel for 11 days.
That would have cost him, in our schedule, five matches, then he would be able to play two matches and then go again on international break.
“For a player that is paid by and a player for Chelsea, this cannot be the solution.
“So we were absolutely shocked about the situation.
“Now I am happy because things are clear and it can only be like this at the moment, that the club’s get protection.
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“I understand the needs of all the national teams but this is the way it is and we need to find other solutions than the ones suggested.”
Premier League clubs voted unanimously to ban their players travelling to nations which would require quarantine upon return to the UK.
Tuchel’s main priority is to pick a team capable of beating Liverpool at a packed Anfield this evening.
He added: “We believe this group can fulfil the target but we can only do it if we can live up to it at the very best level every game.”
The German is expecting a thought test at Anfield, saying: “Any time when you play at Anfield against Liverpool, it’s one of the toughest challenges that you can face in European football.
“After that, you’re much smarter about where you are and what your true capacity and performance is.
“It’s like this tomorrow.
“We had a good start and Liverpool had a good start so tomorrow we will fight from the first minute to get a good result but it will be a huge challenge.
“No result will be a decision for the season but of course we are fighting because these are the challenges where we want to prove ourselves.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
