‘It’s a pity’ – RB Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle would rather face Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea than Graham Potter’s

RB SALZBURG boss Matthias Jaissle is sorry he will not be taking on his old pal Thomas Tuchel on Wednesday night.

Tuchel was sacked by opponents Chelsea last week and replaced by Brighton’s Graham Potter.

PA

Red Bull Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle has declared he wanted Thomas Tuchel to be in the opposing dugout[/caption]

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And fellow German Jaissle said: “After the draw I was thinking that we would meet Thomas Tuchel.

“And on Wednesday we would play against him. It’s a bit of a pity — I know him personally.”

But Jaissle insists Salzburg will still be prepared to go up against Potter as they have done their homework on him.

He added: “We had to be professionals.

“We haven’t seen any games of the new manager with Chelsea but we know about their individual quality.

“We have analysed their character and the new manager with ideas from his old club. We’re very well prepared.”

Despite his friend not being there, Jaissle is excited about playing at Stamford Bridge.

He added: “It was incredible — just the drive here, to go through London, to come here to the stadium, to soak up the atmosphere… it’s a dream come true for me.”

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Chelsea’s match is going ahead despite others being postponed due to the death of the Queen.

And Jaissle said: “It will be a bit different in terms of the build-up.

“But as soon as we have kick-off, the full focus will be on the match.”

It won’t only be Potter’s first game in charge of Chelsea, but also the first time he would have attended a Champions League match.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Potter said: “Off the top of my head, I don’t think I have (been to a Champions League game).

“I think it’s a good time to go in the dugout, why not!? Wherever we start it’s a heck of an introduction.

“Wherever we start is going to be brilliant, and why not start here?”