Thomas Tuchel is well aware of the threat Atletico Madrid’s main striker Luis Suarez possesses. The Uruguayan has been in immaculate form for the Rojiblancos since making a shock transfer from Barcelona at the end of last season.
He has long been an admirer of the marksman’s relentless ability to lead the frontline. Tuchel spoke in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Atletico game and Goal.com picked some interesting quotes on what he had to say about the Uruguayan striker.
“He is a natural striker, a born striker, and has the certain mentality that only strikers have. This mentality is to show his will, intensity and anger to score, score and score. He is never satisfied. So what a mentality, what a player,” he said.
Speaking of facing the star forward in the Champions League last 16 clash in Bucharest, Tuchel said:
“We play him tomorrow with Atletico and we know about his qualities. We are aware of them and will try to stop him from scoring.”
Suarez had been in Tuchel’s sights during his reign at Paris Saint-Germain, when the ex-Barcelona striker was firing in goals like a pastime hobby in Catalunya. When asked about the German’s interest in luring Suarez, he said:
“It was a possibility. Who cannot be interested in signing one of the best strikers in world football history and the present? We tried our luck, we did not make it. He decided to stay in Spain, move to Atletico, and has proven his quality.”
Atletico await Chelsea at the Arena Nationala in what is promised to be a fantastic head-to-head battle between the two clubs.
