Porto coach Sergio Conceicao has said he was insulted by Chelsea counterpart Thomas Tuchel after returning from the Champions League in Tuesday’s quarter-final.
Chelsea progressed to the last four of the league after a 2-1 result on aggregate despite a 1-0 loss to Porto at night in Seville.
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After the final whistle, Tuchel hugged his coaching staff before heading towards the fourth official and Conceicao.
Tuchel reached out for an apparent fist clash with Conceicao, which was reluctantly accepted, before walking away while the Porto boss exchanged with him.
“I am offended by this man [in reference to Tuchel, who was also in the mixed zone giving an interview] that’s right here next to me, “Conceicao told Portuguese TV channel TVI24.” I told the referee that the fourth official had heard those insults. That’s all.”
Conceicao did not reveal the exact words Tuchel said to him, but told his post-game press conference: “It’s no use talking about it. My English isn’t perfect. There was no altercation, I was concerned and focused on the game. didn’t understand the reason for the reaction I heard some insults, it’s not pretty, but that’s over.
“My irritation at the end was related to that, because I didn’t even talk to him during the game, I didn’t look at their bench, but at the game. I was worried about the game.”
The tension between the coaches was evident during the early stages of the match. Tuchel protested vehemently to the fourth official and on the Porto bench after an elbow from Porto captain Pepe on Kai Havertz in the third minute, while Conceicao complained in the 29th minute after Cesar Azpilicueta’s foul on Otavio.
The Chelsea and Porto players had to be separated after the final whistle, while Pepe angrily pointed a finger at Tuchel. After the game, the Chelsea boss replayed the incident.
“It was just a small fight between me and the coach [Conceicao], “Said Tuchel at his press conference.” And then suddenly everyone followed me; I thought it was between me and the coach, but it clearly wasn’t. No harm done. “