Porto coach Sergio Conceicao said he was insulted by Chelsea’s counterpart Thomas Tuchel after returning from the Champions League quarter-finals.
Chelsea have progressed in the last four competitions after a total result of 2-1, despite losing 1-0 to Porto on the night of Sevilla.
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After the final whistle, Tuchel hugged his coaching staff before heading in the direction of the fourth official and Conceicao.
Tuchel stretched out his right arm for an apparent punch to Conceicao, who was reluctantly accepted before walking away as Chief Porto exchanged words with him.
“I was insulted by this man [in reference to Tuchel, who was also in the mixed zone giving an interview] this is here next to me, “Conceicao told Portuguese TV channel TVI24.” I told the referee that the fourth official heard those insults. That’s all.”
Conceicao did not disclose the exact words Tuchel said to him, but told his post-match press conference: “There is no point in talking about this. My English is not perfect. There was no exchange of words, I was worried and focused on the game. I did not understand the reason for the reaction. I heard a few insults, it’s not nice, but that’s it.
“My irritation at the end had to do with this, because I didn’t even talk to them 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 obvious in the first stages of the match. Tuchel protested vigorously to the fourth official and to the Porto bench after an elbow from Porto captain Pepe on Kai Havertz in the third minute, while in the 29th minute Conceicao complained about Cesar Azpilicueta’s foul on Otavio.
The Chelsea and Porto players had to be separated after the final whistle, while Pepe was seen angrily pointing a finger at Tuchel. After the match, the Chelsea boss reduced the incident.
“It was just a small argument between me and the coach [Conceicao]”Tuchel told the news conference.” And then everyone suddenly followed me; I thought it was between me and the coach, but obviously not. No harm done. “