Thomas Tuchel was pleased with his team’s output in the 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
He said, “I am super happy for my players and the team for such a big reward. We actually can read it on the scoreline that we have the result against top opponents.
“It was very important that we are absolutely concentrated over all 96 minutes. That we also accept that it’s very hard to create chances, but we did all that and it was a very good team effort.”
Giroud’s wonderful overhead kick ended up being the difference-maker in this round of 16 Champions League first-leg tie.
“I’m not proud of [Giroud’s goal] because I had nothing to do with it,” Tuchel said. “So it was not my achievement. He can be proud.”
Tuchel added, “If you see him on a daily basis, you cannot be surprised. He is totally fit, his body is in shape and his physicality is on top level.
“Mentally I really have the feeling he enjoys every day being a professional football player on this level and this is the level he needs to be. He trains like a 20-year-old, like a 24-year-old. He is a guy who has a good mixture of seriousness and joy in training.
“He is always positive and it is a big factor for the group. He starts, when he comes from the bench, he has all these qualities and it is good like this.”
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