The Blues will face AC Milan, RB Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb both at home and away before the break for the World Cup, three sides the German is yet to face as a professional head coach.

Chelsea last played AC Milan back in 1999, whereas we have never faced the latter two in a competitive match. It will be our maiden competitive fixture against a Croatian side.

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When asked to give his thoughts on Chelsea’s group, the boss first of all joked that midfielder Mateo Kovacic was delighted with yesterday’s draw, due to his connection to Milan, Austria and also Dinamo Zagreb.

‘We need to be fast with away tickets because the family of Mateo Kovacic is buying all that we have because it is in Austria, Croatia and his former city when he played for Inter and we are playing AC,’ he said, laughing.

The Croatian came through the ranks at the latter, after being born in Linz, Austria and also playing some of his football career in Milan, on the blue side rather than the red of the Rossoneiri. 

‘I think he is buying all the tickets that are available so this is where the focus is for our players to get tickets for family and friends!’

The boss added there is no harder competition to compete in than the Champions League, which is entering its 68th season.

‘It is always a difficult group. I have never experienced the Champions League with an easy group. I do not care about names, leagues, if this is our level or not. We want to go through, this is clear.

‘These matches are tough because it is the toughest competition. I am happy I will play some teams and stadiums I have never played before.’

With less than a week remaining of the summer transfer window, Tuchel revealed why he was looking forward to the deadline passing and settling the minds of those in the squad uncertain about their futures. He also discussed his excitement at the opportunity of moulding a group in his image.

‘I always enjoy working with every team and I think this is the foundation for being a good manager, that you enjoy what you’re doing and you embrace the team that you have and don’t focus on what you don’t have or what you could have if things were different.

‘I love the group. We speak a lot about the transfer window but the good thing about this when it closes is you know this is your group and there are no more distractions.

'This is also for the players who maybe struggle at the moment with their decisions – where do I go, should I go, do I have an offer or not, what is my role?

‘From the first of September this is clear and this will also give us a boost to build a strong squad and a strong group and an atmosphere within the group that carries us. I’m enjoying the challenge to build a new group and the challenge to be in the middle of the Premier League.’