Chelsea manager Tuchel criticises new UCL format

Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has launched a scathing attack on the new Champions League format, saying coaches and players had not been consulted on plans to add more games to an already packed schedule.

UEFA last week approved changes to its flagship club competition, which will take effect from 2024, but the announcement was overshadowed by the launch and subsequent collapse of the European Super League (ESL). The number of teams participating in the group stage of the Champions League will increase from 32 to 36, with each side guaranteed at last 10 matches.

Chelsea were one of the 12 clubs to sign up to the ESL project. The Blues and the other five Premier League clubs, who had signed up for the breakaway league, quickly withdrew following a fierce backlash against the proposals from fans, players and authorities.

Tuchel welcomed Chelsea's U-turn on the ESL but, speaking ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, said not enough focus had been placed on the reforms to the existing competition. "I'm not sure if I like it because I can only see more games out of it. Did they ask any coach, any player about this?" Tuchel said on Monday.

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