It’s a by-product if the extreme “defense first” approach TT plays. Don’t give up goals and hope that some extremely talented individuals make a goal or two along the way. It can work- Greece won Euros. Chelsea won the CL. It’s an underdog strategy, but let’s face it Chelsea are talented but not as talented as City, ‘Pool, BM, RM or PSG. They have to even the odds somehow. That’s what TT will tell you he’s doing.
The problem is they still deploy this underdog strategy against teams like Everton. They end up drawing/losing too many games against weak opposition because they only play for a small advantage. Everton had better quality chances on the counter than Chelsea had all game. Chelsea had a large quantity of corners and very low quality chances other than the PK. Game plan is grind to stay in top 4 and be tough to beat in cups. I really thought Tuchel would develop a better attacking game plan last year against weaker teams but it didn't happen. We'll see if he gets there this season.
That's a good point- would make sense to attack more when they have the advantage and build more cushion. Maybe he's worried that those teams are going to use his tactics against him and attacking too much would play into their hands. Dunno.
IMO Chelsea just doesn't counter enough or move the ball fast enough on O. It is so predictable. I have spent a lot of time thinking about how they could change up their formation while also keeping 3CBs and in the end none of it really matters if they are not willing to give alternative looks... especially WRT movements off the ball. Yes... it might result in them turning the ball over a bit more and therefore lose some of their dominant possession numbers but if they want to stay in the top 4 I think they will need to score more this season. But who knows? The new CB is really good and perhaps they stay healthy and 1-0, 2-0, 2-2, and draw their way back into the CL slots?
TT said both Chilwell and James were not 100% fit. If the wingbacks aren't motoring in the 3-4-3, it is going to be a little slow and easier for front 3 to be picked up. Also, the ages of the back three against Everton add up to 100 with the cms in front not young. It’s a long season with Chelsea in lots of competitions and no need to go crazy yet. Landing Fofana would provide depth and speed in the back even if at a crazy price. Landing a top CF would take a rabbit out of the hat for this window.
RBL often plays with a 3-4-3 and they score plenty. I think one of Chelsea's double pivots needs to be a bit more offensive minded. You pair Kante with Mount and then Mason can play the hybrid 6/8 and Kante can be a bit more of the destroyer/ball retainer. I also would like to see way more attempts to go over the top in combination. Targeted long balls that suck defenders in and then quick flicks or hold up play that can find a partner to unbalance the D as a whole. Just way too much of: 1) Win possession 2) Go backwards and reset 3) Pass the ball in the back from side to side 4) Striker standing still in between two CBs 5) Wingers interchanging near the corners which most of the time leads back to 2)... but sometimes a cross that can sometimes be played. So... friggin... boring.
Just make sure you tell them that, after making the run down the flank, they have to cap it with a cross that (a) goes out of bounds; or (b) goes beyond all the attackers in the PA; or (c) is so high it floats right into the keeper's hands; and that they never bother to look for the optimal recipient of the cross, let alone try to set it on a plate for that recipient. If they comply, they will be real pros.
They've got that down pat already I hope.The rule against slide tackles in our league is going to be a real challenge for us to work around.
Wonder if they could get that guy who scored thirty goals in Italy a couple of years back - what was his name? Lukrapu or something like that?
I don't think this has been posted yet: https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ue-to-leave-with-tuchel-short-of-replacements Unsettled, untrusted but probably likely to be kept around because Chelsea would lack depth if they let him go.
In addition 🚨 “Chelsea are trying to manage USMNT international Christian Pulisic’s frustrations. He is not getting the opportunities he wants, and in a WC year, he's desperate for time. They want him to stay, but this could take a twist if someone lodges an offer.” 👀Via DeanJonesSoccer pic.twitter.com/Kw0YJGeti8— Takes 🇺🇸 (@USMNTTAKES) August 10, 2022
If they bring in Auba and Mount/Sterling/Havertz are ahead of him for the 2 wide attacking roles he might not get enough playing time. Of course Mount and Havertz were both poor against Everton.
Both Mount and Havertz seem above criticism. Both have had their fair share of struggles since January Also on Puli 🚨 Newcastle are monitoring the situation of Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, 23.🇺🇸 #NUFC ⚫⚪🔵 #CFC pic.twitter.com/6Pp2I1ILav— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) August 10, 2022
Reality in my eyes is that, Tuchel largely had and has the same core attack he won UCL with. He had Giroud and deemed him not good enough. Then he spent loads on Lukaka who flopped and is now gone. Point being, the quality level at his disposal did not drop. And under a number of managers it would improve and grow together. A few players demanded to leave. More want to leave. Many don't want to come and play for Tuchel and the attack looks lifeless to even the most average of fans. This is disintegrating under Tuchel. He already threw his players under the bus a few weeks ago. And all one has to do is observe what is right in front of them. Kai and Mount are not playing like they trust or believe the system either. This team plays the worst football and has the worst body language of the top 6 Prem clubs. And the constant leaks of dissatisfaction don't repeat themselves with the other top Prem clubs. Really have to wonder what the new owner thinks. I'd assume most in that situation would propose asking the logical question of, why aren't you doing more with the quality you have? In fact, in any business one of the first questions to answer is, are you maximizing your assets. It's business 101.