Tuchel Praises Respectful Mexico Fans Amid Increased Security
Thomas Tuchel's England team is set to face Mexico in the World Cup last 16 on Monday at 01:00 BST (18:00 local time Sunday).
Tuchel has downplayed concerns about England's reception in Mexico, describing the experience as "nicer than I expected" and noting that the home fans have been "friendly and respectful."
England will play Mexico in a last-16 match kicking off at 18:00 local time on Sunday (Monday 01:00 BST).
On Saturday, England's squad encountered a mix of cheers and jeers from fans as they departed their hotel for training under heightened security in Mexico City.
Following Ecuador's 2-0 defeat by Mexico in the World Cup last 32, Ecuador lodged a noise complaint with FIFA after fans used loudspeakers, motorbikes, and horns to disrupt their rest last week.
Consequently, Mexico's National Guard members were stationed at the entrance to England's hotel, with police officers in riot gear positioned by barriers on the nearby road.
"We had no issues tonight and I think FIFA took care of the situation," head coach Tuchel said. "We have security around the hotel so we expect a good night's sleep.
"I don't want to talk about problems that don't exist yet. If they come, we will accept them. The best way to approach is to be relaxed and calm.
"We have a six o'clock kick-off, so if we miss some hours of sleep we will have time to get some other hours in the late morning.
"What I experienced until now was very respectful and emotional and very supportive towards our teams so are very respectful towards everyone. We expect to be treated with respect and that was the case.
"It was even nicer than I expected."
Tuchel also commented on the atmosphere in Mexico City.
"It just catches you straight away once you land here and saw the excitement and the emotions," he said.
"This will be a proper World Cup match. We are in an iconic place, an iconic stadium and a massive knockout game.
"It is a big stage and we feel it. It makes you sharper and brings the best out of you. It makes you feel alive."
Tuchel and Squad Feel Altitude Impact
Another significant topic is the altitude in Mexico City, with the Estadio Azteca situated at 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level.
This elevation results in lower barometric pressure, thinner air, and less oxygen intake per breath, which can cause increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dehydration, and quicker, more intense fatigue.
Tuchel acknowledged feeling the altitude effects since arriving Saturday evening.
"We feel it even if we don't train," he said. "I felt a slight headache through the day, for example.
"I didn't sleep as well as the days before but nothing you cannot handle and that you cannot adapt.
"The players felt it in the first minutes of the training session and the longer it went they could cope with it better.
"It is just what it is. We cannot physically adapt, it is impossible. But we are here one day before to experience it at least.
"It is not a coincidence Mexico starts their matches strong and aggressively as the first 15 to 20 minutes maybe the tougher. Once we overcome that, I think we are in a good place.
"The players are kind of adapted - you know about the situation. We will take care of what we need to take care of. We need a strong performance and I feel we will have one."
Kick-off Chaos 'Not Worth Losing Your Head' Over
Tuchel addressed the confusion surrounding the kick-off time, with FIFA initially moving the game forward six hours to 12:00 local time (19:00 BST) before reversing the decision.
"Inside the bubble it was quite calm," Tuchel said. "The players were not aware there was a possible change of kick-off.
"Just this example shows you to not lose your head - we cannot influence it. Three and a half hours later, you land in Mexico and the kick-off time stayed the same. It is not worth losing your head."
"Altitude: it is what it is. Home crowd: it is what it is. We have the spirit, we have the commitment, we have the pure will and the glue in the team to overcome these things. We know what is coming. But that is the beauty of it."
- Why England won't fear Mexico or the Azteca - Shearer
- James doubtful for Mexico tie but Quansah fit again
- England squad booed as they arrive in Mexico
- Lightning, hotel security and spying - issues England face in Mexico
- Five and a half hours that left England's World Cup tie in chaos
- 'You can't catch your breath' - how will Azteca altitude impact England?
- BBC offers 'Stay Up or Catch Up' for England v Mexico
- How to turn alerts on or off for England v Mexico
