Thomas Tuchel has claimed he has no problem with Unai Emery, despite exchanging some choice words in Chelsea ’s UEFA Super Cup victory over Villarreal.
The German earned his second trophy as Blues boss, but were pushed all the way by the Spaniards, ultimately prevailing 6-5 on penalties after the two sides couldn’t be separated, even after extra time.
Chelsea took the lead in the opening 45 through Hakim Ziyech, only to see the Moroccan withdrawn shortly after with a worrying looking injury.
Antonio Rudiger was then involved in a flashpoint when Villarreal officials, including Unai Emery, took exception to a robust challenge he made on Yeremi Pino.
Rudiger was cautioned for the tackle, but that did little to stop protestations, with the former Arsenal boss spotted debating the issue with Tuchel as the two managers made their way down the tunnel.
However, Tuchel moved to dispel any suggestions of long-term animosity with Emery, but did point to a “loud” member of his backroom staff.
“With him [Emery], there is no problem,” the Chelsea boss explained shortly after the victory in Belfast. “It was somebody on his staff that was a bit too loud.
“But yeah okay, it’s like this. We thought it was an English tackle, they saw it as a foul.”
The incident appeared to galvanise the Europa League winners who were much better after the break and equalised through Gerard Moreno.
The score would remain at 1-1 and take the game to penalties, where Kepa Arrizabalaga came in from the cold to be the Chelsea hero.
The Spaniard came off the bench for Edouard Mendy and saved two spot-kicks to earn his side the victory. Speaking on the decision to switch his keepers, Tuchel admitted that it was always the plan to bring him on, after he proved he was the better in a penalty situation.
He explained: "It was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers after the first cup game against Barnsley. We had some statistics. We were well prepared.
"Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties, the analysing guys and goalkeeping coaches showed me the data. We spoke to the players that this could happen when we play in knockout games. It's fantastic how Edouard accepted it.
"There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline. They're team players. Edouard does not show the pride to not step off the field. He was happy to do it for the team and take this for the team."
Tuchel also conceded that while winning the trophy would be good for his players, playing 120 minutes was less than ideal preparation for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
"Mentally it's a good one. Physically it's the worst thing that could happen. Victory and a trophy helps regenerate."
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