Tuchel: We must limit Messi; expect a rollercoaster match

Before the FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina, England head coach Tuchel was interviewed by ITV Sport.

It's really wonderful to have made it this far.

Indeed.

England and Argentina, Rating and Ramsey, Maradona and Shilton, Beckham and Simeone, Kane and Messi, Bellingham and Alvarez. Are you ready?

Yes, we are ready. I can feel it. I can feel the excitement in the team camp. I can feel that the players are eager to play.

How would you describe the nature of the long-standing rivalry between England and Argentina? From an outsider's perspective, this match-up is very significant.

It is indeed very significant. Very significant. As you mentioned those names earlier, these are two footballing giants. Everyone recognizes the jerseys of these two teams. Everyone knows their most important players. Everyone also knows what this match means.

England has faced many tests on their journey, and Argentina has even come close to elimination several times in the knockout stages. What is the biggest strength of Scaloni's team?

I think both teams have shown incredible resilience. We've shown resilience, teamwork, and the winning mentality required to win. They've done the same. So, in many ways, we're quite similar. The team that ultimately advances will once again prove that they've successfully overcome difficulties. I hope that team will be us.

Many of the players who won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina four years ago are still there today. Is this team stronger than before? How would you compare them?

Without a doubt, they are more experienced. Their overall cohesion is very strong. Over the past four years, there have been very few personnel changes. The head coach is still the same person. The core lineup is still the same group of people. They are very clear about what they want. This is a very tough group of players. They have the winning mentality that a championship team should have. And of course, they also have real confidence because they've already done it four years ago. This is the opponent we are about to face.

After 205 appearances for Argentina and a 21-year international career, Messi is finally facing England for the first time in a FIFA World Cup.

First time?

Yes, first time. Where does Messi rank on your list of all-time greatest players?

Very high. However, I've never really liked these historical rankings, because there are so many great players, and they play in different positions. But there's no doubt that Messi would be at the very top of anyone's list, because he's truly exceptional.

What does it say that at 39 years old, he's still leading the race for the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot?

It says that you are witnessing something very special.

He has adjusted his playing style. In this FIFA World Cup, he has been walking for 63% of the time. So, what is the biggest challenge in dealing with such a Messi?

He can explode at any moment. He can accelerate in any minute. He is a "silent assassin." Even when walking slowly, he can suddenly deliver a lethal blow. That's just how it is. So, you can never let your guard down. You can never underestimate his ability to explode instantly. And you can never underestimate the spirit of the entire team willing to sacrifice for him. Teammates are willing to do more work to preserve his energy and creativity as much as possible for those critical 40% moments. And he does indeed utilize all of that to the highest level. We must find a way to limit him and ultimately defeat him. We are not here to praise him. Nor are we here to put him on a pedestal. We are here to prevent him from dominating the game.

A coach's job is to help players perform at their best.

That's my responsibility.

So, what's the reason for Bellingham's performance in this FIFA World Cup?

I can't really say. At least so far, everything has gone well. We have indeed helped him perform at his best. However, this is not just due to the coach. First and foremost, it's the player's own performance. But before we talk too much about one player, I want to emphasize that this is a team effort. If we want to win this game, we still need the other 16 players to contribute together. We need the whole team. We need the energy of the whole team. This is a team event. Not just the coach, the entire team will work to help those players who can decide the game perform at their best. And Jude Bellingham, in this FIFA World Cup, is one such player who can decide the game.

England has experienced some favorable and unfavorable referee decisions in their matches, and Argentina has also had its share of controversial decisions. Does this mean that this match requires more discipline and game management than ever before?

Of course. But which game isn't like that? I expect this game to still be full of ups and downs, because both sides will be very emotionally invested. Both teams will play with intense fighting spirit and passion. So, I don't think this will be a very calm and clean game. If it were, I would actually be surprised.

You once said that your team could play better. So, what has this journey brought to the team so far?

It has brought unwavering belief. This team is ready to give everything. And they never give up easily in games. They refuse to lose. I think this is precisely the spirit of the Premier League. It's the spirit present in every Premier League match. We already possess this quality. I'm very happy about that. And this is exactly what we need to defeat Argentina and get through the FIFA World Cup semi-final. Resilience, without a doubt.

Messi is 39 years old. By the next FIFA World Cup, Kane will also be 37. Can he still participate in the next FIFA World Cup?

I don't know. You're asking the wrong person. I don't know. Right now, I just hope he can play two more games.

The reason I ask is because if he plays in this match, he will set a record.

What record?

If he plays in this match, he will become the most-capped outfield player in England's history.

He has a good chance to start. If he plays, he will break this record. This is a great achievement in itself. Competitive sports do not operate on a four-year cycle. What he needs to do now is to be ready in three days. And then, hopefully, be ready again in four days. As for whether he can continue to play in the future, whether he still has the strength and desire to win, that is ultimately for him to decide.

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