Tactics not to blame for Chelsea defeat – Tuchel

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Thomas Tuchel argued that his tactical changes were not the main reason for Chelsea’s defeat against Manchester City.

The reigning champions won 1-0 courtesy of Gabriel Jesus’ second-half goal at Stamford Bridge, where Tuchel’s side were strangely below par.

Without the injured Mason Mount, Blues boss Tuchel switched to a 3-5-2 formation, pairing Timo Werner with Romelu Lukaku up front.


Chelsea failed to muster a shot on target, but Tuchel said: “We decided for 3-5-2 and I don’t think it’s a matter of structure, it’s a matter of decisions and adapting to where you can find the spaces.

“I will ask the question to myself, was it the right shape? But I’m not sure if the shape is decisive for the result.

“Nobody can deny we weren’t like ourselves today. We lacked belief and confidence and with every mistake we lost more and more confidence.”

Chelsea are assessing Reece James, who went off injured in the first half after a collision with City’s Jack Grealish.