No matter the line of questioning or unorthodox phraseology in use, Thomas Tuchel treats every conversation the same way. Asked about the altitude in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, the German openly admitted he himself had a “headache” on Saturday morning. Asked whether the rumours that the England team would use ****** to combat altitude sickness were accurate, he laughed and stated: “That is not true.” Asked about 1986 and Maradona’s “Hand of God” at the same stadium, he insisted his players were “not out for revenge.”
Every topic, no matter the language barrier or brazen attempt to lure a quote of intrigue, is treated with the same token of respect and detail from the 52-year-old coach. And in front of 100 or so journalists at his pre-match press conference before the biggest match of his Three Lions tenure so far, all the German wants in return is respect the other way. On the eve of the grandest occasion this stadium has seen in 40 years, he had a message to Mexican supporters attending the Azteca cauldron on Sunday.
“What I’ve experienced until now [from Mexico fans] was very respectful, emotional and supportive,” he said. “We are respectful of everyone and then we expect to be treated with respect.”
Clearly, for Tuchel, there is a figurative line not to be crossed on Sunday. Passion, fervour and noise? Absolutely. Hostility, vulgarity and violence? No, thank you.
“It will be emotional and full of support for the home nation,” he added. “But I don’t expect any hostility. Everyone was very respectful so far. I don’t expect a hostile environment. A stadium like this… not a lot of stadiums can create an atmosphere for the home team. It can create momentum and belief in the home team. We expect that.”