Thomas Tuchel did not want to hide the reality before the round of 16 match between Mexico and England at the Azteca Stadium. The German coach acknowledged in a press conference that the altitude of more than 2,200 meters above sea level in Mexico City will represent a real challenge for his players in the early stages of the match.
Even so, he trusted that the team will know how to adapt as the minutes go by. “For us the first 15 or 20 minutes will be difficult. Mexico starts impetuously on its territory. We will overcome it and then we will be better”said the 52-year-old coach.
Tuchel also revealed that he himself felt the effects of the altitude after arriving in Mexico. The coach admitted to having suffered a minor headache and difficulty sleeping during the night, although he clarified that none of these symptoms were impossible for him or his players to manage.
The coach also praised Mexico’s level, recalled Tri’s draws against Portugal and Belgium in friendlies prior to the tournament and recognized that the duel at the Azteca will be a great challenge for the English team. “We know everything about Mexico, it is among the 10 in the world ranking with good results in the last games. We respect them but we believe in ourselves”he pointed out.
The match also has a special historical flavor for England, which returns to the Azteca 40 years after being eliminated in that same stadium by Argentina with the two most memorable goals in the history of football: that of the Hand of God and the one considered the best of the 20th century, both by Diego Armando Maradona.
Tuchel acknowledged that the wound of that defeat is still present, but he was clear in ruling out any idea of revenge.. “It makes no sense to talk about revenge after so much time,” the technician pointed out.
The coach also dismissed concerns about possible nighttime noises in the hotel that could disturb his players’ rest. “I have only felt respect and signs of affection. We hope that they treat us with respect as until now,” he concluded.