Sunday’s 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge was a fiery affair both on and off the pitch.
It was always likely to happen between two passionate and militant bosses in tight circumstances that, even this early on, could be integral to both Chelsea’s and Spurs’ respective seasons.
In what was a six of one, half a dozen of the other scenario, their antics in the handshake at the end of play resulted in a straight red card for both coaches, with the problems between the two seemingly unresolved.
What’s the latest?
In the post-match press conference, both managers were quizzed on the events that took place at Stamford Bridge.
As per Football.London, Tuchel had his say on the bust-up: “It’s Premier League football and the two managers got involved today because both of us were fighting for our teams. That was it.
For me it’s not a big deal. It was part of it today.”
“We faught for our teams. It’s so close here, it was such an intense match, that both dugouts are very close. So…”
Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte had his say on receiving a red card, via Football.London:
“The referee showed me a red card but he didn’t understand the dynamic of what happened. It’s ok, I have to accept. I repeat, I don’t think it’s a big problem. If it’s a problem, it’s between me and the other coach.
“There is video to understand what happened. I’m not passive. If I see aggressivity, I show aggressivity.”
No big deal
Both coaches shared a similar message in the press conference, with Tuchel stating that “it’s not a big deal” and Conte echoing the same saying “I don’t think it’s a big problem.”
Whilst it resulted in punishment for the pair, it made for some high-quality Premier League drama driven through the means of true competition, in a game that everyone is calling Battle of the Bridge.
Both Tuchel and Conte possess an unrivalled passion for their respective teams in a fixture that many will already be itching to see again this season.
In other news: Todd Boehly now set for summer disaster at Chelsea over £40m “wonderkid”
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