It is the first time since the 2008/09 season that the Blues have hosted our London rivals Spurs in the month of August.

Despite acknowledging he would prefer to get a few more games under his belt this season before preparing for such a big game, Tuchel couldn’t shy away from the excitement of the challenge that lies ahead.

‘I think coaches would prefer to play these games later but it’s very exciting at the same time because you feel the tension and the excitement. People will be excited to watch and follow, but in general we would like to have a bit more time, but we don’t,’ Tuchel said.

‘You don’t have time in football, so we need to be ready at the moment every week and very soon be ready twice a week to be competitive and live up to our own standards.

‘They [Spurs] took advantage of the situation which is fair enough and which is what they do in this kind of league,’ the boss added. ‘We try to find solutions to win this game and to be on our highest level. It can also help to have a big match like this very early, it lifts you up and gives you a push that is sometimes also needed.’

Tuchel has an incredibly strong record against the north London side, winning five from five across both the Premier League and Carabao Cup since arriving in January last year, without even conceding a goal.

Tottenham have added strength in depth to their squad in the summer months, and Tuchel says he is aware they may be a new proposition this season.

‘They took advantage of their situation with a stable club, the ownership was clear and it’s clear that they reached Champions League and they took advantage to reinforce their squad very early, very direct and very straightforward,’ he said.

‘They had a calm pre-season, were on their system and the roles were clear, so it seems like they are a bit ahead of us from the start and out of the blocks, but it does not mean that you win the race just because you win the start.’