UCL: Tuchel speaks as Kovacic returns to Zagreb after 12 years

For Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, the Uefa Champions League opening match against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia on Tuesday night is emotional.

This is because Kovacic, who is also part of the Blues squad that travelled to Croatia is back at the club, where he started his professional career 12 years ago.

Reacting Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the midfielder was emotional at the prospect of being back in a city that remains close to his heart.

‘He’s a fantastic player of course but on top of it he’s a fantastic person and an unbelievable team player,’ Tuchel added.

‘It’s a pleasure to be coach of him and it’s a pleasure for everybody to be his team-mate. Kova is a fantastic guy and it’s very important that he’s with us.

‘It’s very emotional for him. He’s very happy to be back here because it’s his city and the country for which he plays with a lot of pride. He’s finding his shape and we’re happy that he’s back on the pitch in training.’