In his post-match interview following Chelsea’s defeat to Real Madrid yesterday, Thomas Tuchel conceded that his tactical selection of Andreas Christensen was a significant error.
Blues supporters witnessed their team suffer yet another severe defeat at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, falling 3-1 in a Champions League thriller to Spanish leaders Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has taken control of the two-legged quarter-final tie after Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick inside 46 minutes. However, Kai Havertz’s first-half goal has given the Blues a ray of optimism heading into the Bernabeu for the second leg next week.
In the first 45 minutes, Chelsea just couldn’t cope with Madrid strikers Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius, a Brazilian winger, tortured Blues defender Christensen, who started in a back three as the right-sided centre-back.
Tuchel decided to switch formations and people at halftime to counter the threat, despite the fact that the damage had already been done.
Christensen, 25, was frequently left vulnerable one-on-one against Vinicius and had no assistance from winger Reece James.
When questioned if he made a mistake starting Christensen on the right side of a three, Tuchel was candid:
“Yes, I made a mistake,” he said.
Last night, Christensen, who has apparently decided to join Barcelona ahead of next season, had a dismal 45 minutes before being replaced.
To begin with, the Dane is still a good player, and he wasn’t the only Chelsea player who struggled last night.
He’s a strong ball-playing defender who appears at ease in any position in a back three, particularly in the middle.
When Madrid used the approach of keeping Vinicius high up the pitch, he was virtually required to execute a full-role. back’s
