CHELSEA striker Kai Havertz has praised Thomas Tuchel for his clash with Antonio Conte – branding the Blues manager’s behaviour “epic”.
Tuchel has been fined £35,000 for his bust-up with Tottenham boss Conte during the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on August 14.
The German must also serve a one-match touchline ban unless his appeal is successful, which will likely be against Leicester on Saturday.
But compatriot Havertz has now revealed how his boss’s antics boosted the Blues’ motivation against arch-rivals Spurs.
The 23-year-old also played down rumours of Bayern Munich’s interest in him during the summer.
And Havertz revealed his dismay at the close-season departures of Germany teammates Toni Rudiger and Timo Werner.
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Sky TV’s German channel asked the frontman about Tuchel’s fiery row with Italian Conte.
To which Havertz replied: “I thought it was epic. When players see their manager giving their all to win a game, it motivates us to try twice or three times as hard.
“We could definitely tell that something was going on during that game.
“As players, matches like that one fill you with spirit and desire to win.
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“It was something special to have been on the pitch at a moment like that.”
Serial Bundesliga champions Bayern were rumoured to be on Havertz’s trail during the close season.
But the ex-Bayer Leverkusen ace maintained: “I read about it on Instagram. I can’t say anything about it – there was nothing.
“No talks took place.”
Centre-back Rudiger left Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid, while striker Werner has returned to RB Leipzig.
Havertz added: “I don’t sit home crying every evening. Every footballer has his own career path, and you have to respect that.
“You meet many people who you like, and that was the case for me with Timo and Toni.
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“They were close friends both on and off the pitch. I had seen them every day for two years, so it always hurts if they choose other paths.
“But Toni had dreamed of going to Real for a long time, so it was special for him.
“I can only wish them both all the best. I can still keep in touch with them, and see them again on national duty – so all is OK.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
