Thomas Tuchel talked about what he expects from Czechia at the Fortuna Arena on Tuesday.
England were defeated 3-2 by Spain in their opening fixture of the Nations League, and the pressure is on the team to take three points in their next game. However, that task will not be a simple one.
‘We saw a lot of patterns that we saw in the Spanish side’
Santi Denia has taken the reins in the dugout for Czechia, who were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Croatia on the weekend. Tuchel has witnessed some qualities that could create challenges for his camp.
“So, we expect a difficult one. We saw a new coach with his team, very well organized of Czechia against Croatia, very fluid in midfield. A lot of things that we saw in Spain, we saw in the team of Czechia. So yeah, we need to be ready. That's how it always is.
“It's a bit early for must win. In general, we always arrive at every match and prepare the team with a target to win. This is always the target, was the target against Spain and is the target [on Tuesday.]
“At the same time, we respect the opposition. We respect the quality. We respect the challenge that it brings if you play in Prague against Czechia. That's in itself is difficult. It will be emotional. It will be support for the home team. We always prepare for the win. We want the win. Absolutely.
“It's in the consolation of a group and knowing where we want to go. It's too early to speak for a must. It would be ideal. But yeah, the problem is the opponent on the other side.
Analysing Czechia’s new-look midfield
“We analysed only one match from the Czech team because they have a new coach. We saw a lot of patterns that we saw in the Spanish side. We saw a very flexible midfield of three. A lot of change of positions. We saw wingers, attacking fullbacks attacking wingers in a 4-3-3 formation.
“We saw a team that was well organized. saw a team that was ready to go for a new coach, for new ideas and full of motivation to take their chance and impress. That's what we saw. It was a very close match between both teams. Czechia scored a late equalizer which was disallowed in a very good manner in a very good. It was an amazing goal, well played but it didn't stand.
“That's what we are up against. And then of course you play against the supporters and you play against the atmosphere that the underdog will bring to any game. That's just a part of it, but also the beauty of it. And we will prepare the game as professionally as any other game.”
