‘This formation will help Chelsea win balls’ – Coach tells Tuchel ahead of Champions League clash against Lille
The Champions League is back and The Blues will have to defend their crown first by beating French side Lille in the Champions League round of 16.
However, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has often fielded a 3-4-2-1 system since his first year at Stamford Bridge, but he has tweaked his tactics in recent weeks to try out a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 shape.
Meanwhile, American coach Marsch, who’s previously managed RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg, has told Tuchel that having an extra man in the middle of the park will do good against Lille, thus urging him to ditch the 3-4-2-1 system for this game.
Marsch told The Athletic: “Thomas Tuchel has changed formations a few times lately. If Chelsea play with a three, they should be able to defend and attack the wings well. If they play with a four, they will be able to get one more attacking/midfielder on the pitch who can combine and create more options, affect the game a bit more.”
“But if Tuchel thinks the best way to beat Lille is on the wings, he should go with the 3-4-2-1. With two strong centre backs (Jose Fonte being the other) for Lille though, crosses won’t be as effective. So Chelsea need to find ways to combine, counter-press, win balls high up the pitch, play forward, get behind the backline. I think playing four at the back against Lille will be more effective to do that.”