Tuchel praises players after Chelsea thrash Saints

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel praised his players after a change of formation worked to devastating effect at Southampton.

The Blues emphatically bounced back from home defeats to Brentford and Real Madrid, walloping the Saints 6-0 at St Mary’s.

Mason Mount was outstanding in support of Kai Havertz and Timo Werner in attack.

Mount and Werner both scored twice, with Havertz also helping himself to a goal in a totally one-sided game.

Tuchel explained: “We expected a 4-4-2 (from Southampton) and both number sixes to press high.

“So we wanted to pin the defenders with two strikers and find Mason in a bit of an open position between their lines.

“We had a bit of a different role for the wing-backs today because we anticipated an aggressive 4-4-2 and wanted to have three midfielders against their two midfielders – and have an ideal position for Kai and Timo.

“That was the idea behind it, but of course it’s not about the idea – it’s about how we played, how committed we played, and the quality we played with.”

The change of shape certainly suited Werner, who thrived on the opportunity to play in his preferred central position rather than a wide role.

“Of course it was his position,” Tuchel said. “So it was set out for him to deliver.

“Everything was there for him to deliver and make a statement that he has not given up – that he’s still an important player for this club and this group.”