Tuchel: "We've capped a special season"

Thomas Tuchel on the match:
We began very brightly, with a lot of quality, created a lot of chances very early on and deservedly took the lead. But in the period that followed we gave the impression that it was ours to lose and that we were simply waiting for the final whistle. Frankfurt played with a great deal of bravery, boldness and self-confidence, and caused us problems. They deserved to get the equaliser and managed to hit the post as well.

The half-time helped us. After the restart it was a completely new game, partly because Marco and Schmelle were no longer on the pitch. We tried to encourage the team, to give them the self-belief. We have won so many key games and second halves throughout the season. We had no intention of dropping off, because we wanted to do it for Jule, Marco and Schmelle, who were all sitting disappointed in the changing rooms. We played well in the second half, deserved to take the lead and had chances to score another goal.

...on his emotions:
I'm dead. At the semi-final in Munich, there was a feeling of endless joy at the final whistle. Now my batteries are dead. I'm very happy for those who were behind us, our fans, the whole staff and above all for my players. I'm feeling an unbelievable sense of joy.

…on the substitution of Marco Reus:
He injured himself in the goal and took a knock. He had to keep receiving treatment, couldn't sprint any more and had the feeling that something wasn't quite right in his knee. It was clear at half-time that he wouldn't be able to continue.

...on his coaching career:
Today is definitely one of the greatest days of my coaching career. But I need to process it first, it needs some time to sink in. I think that special successes are achieved when there is a special connection between a coach and his players. We have all reached our objectives and capped a special season. That can only happen if there is mutual trust. (cr)