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'It increases quantity over quality' | Thomas Tuchel on international breaks

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has given his opinion on the current format for international br...



'It increases quantity over qu...
Soccer

'It increases quantity over quality' | Thomas Tuchel on international breaks

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has given his opinion on the current format for international breaks and thinks it is an overload on the players.

Speaking ahead of his side's match against Burnley on Saturday, Tuchel was questioned on the upcoming international break.

There are five international breaks in total over the course of the league campaign. So far, there has been an international break in September, October, and November.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has proposed reforming the structure to two international breaks over the course of the season.

"It is a brilliant idea," said Tuchel about Wenger's proposal.

"There are too many windows, too many competitions and too many games for the players. It increases quantity, not quality.

"Everyone wants their top players to play for them and it's too much."

Key players such as Christian Pulisic and Thiago Silva have to travel long distances to meet up with their national squads.

Pulisic injured himself on international duty for the US national team and missed two months of action. The American returned from injury to face Malmo in the Champions League this week.

Fixtures have been coming thick and fast for players and Tuchel believes the international breaks only add more stress to the players.

"We are even happy to have three days off so we can have a day off for mental recovery. We rest to be ready to play.

"Of course, we are happy when players are selected for their country."

The German was not agreeing to Wenger's biennial World Cup proposal but admitted the number of international games is taking its toll on all players.

conte

Conte to Spurs

Tuchel was also asked about the arrival of Antonio Conte to Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Chelsea manager returns to the Premier League for the first time since being sacked in 2018.

"He is one of the best managers in the world. He will make it super tough to play against Tottenham.

"It's good news for the Premier League."

Conte is the second former Chelsea manager to take over at Spurs since 2019, following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho.

Tuchel was asked whether he would ever consider making the move across London in the future.

"I have enough to do here," the German chuckled. "I am happy where I am."

Gallagher Praise

The Champions League winning manager also heaped praise on youngster Conor Gallagher, who is on loan at Crystal Palace.

Gallagher has been the star man for Patrick Vieira's side so far this season, grabbing a goal and assist against Manchester City last weekend.

"It’s not hard to follow as he is standing out every single matchday.

"Conor's heart is so big you could wake him up at 4 am and he will start running and collecting balls."

Tuchel and Chelsea take on Burnley in hopes of staying top of the Premier  League table.

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