Thomas Tuchel says he paid no attention to claims that his Chelsea team are too defensive and always puts his team out to score goals after they destroyed Juventus 4-0 on Tuesday.
The Blues put the Italian giants to the sword with a dominant display at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea academy graduates Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James and Hudson-Odoi all netting before Timo Werner grabbed a late goal.
Although only four clubs have netted more goals than Chelsea in this year’s competition, it is their defensive record which has stood out, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just one goal.
- Leonardo Bonucci admits Chelsea caused Juventus ‘so many problems’ in UCL thrashing
- Thomas Tuchel beats Mourinho to set outstanding record as Chelsea smash Juventus
- Lionel Messi names six teams that could win the Champions League this season
They have also only let in four goals in the Premier League, which prompted Mauricio Pochettino – whose team, PSG have been rather more porous – to describe them in somewhat unflattering terms.
‘Chelsea have a defensive team,’ said the Argentine manager – who is being linked with the Manchester United job – when asked about his side’s frailties. ‘They play in transition and on the counter.’
But Tuchel rejected that description, saying he puts as much emphasis on attacking as defending, and played down claims the big win over Juventus has silenced critics of Chelsea’s style of play.
Asked if it was frustrating to hear Chelsea described as a defensive side, and whether the tag has now been disproved, Tuchel said: ‘I don’t listen too much to what people say about us.
‘I feel into my team and I feel into our staff with what we feel comfortable [with] and I felt from day one very brave in our approach to defending.
‘We had instantly a lot of ball possession always so from there we tried to create chances and to be dangerous.
‘Then comes a new season and we try to recreate it. The group is a bit new and things are like this, in some moments things come a bit easier and you catch momentum. This is clearly the case now and full credit to the guys.
‘But we are not so worried about what people say about us. We want to be strong in all parts of this game. It is a very complex game: some moments you have to defend strong and some you find the spaces to attack a bit easier than in other moments.
‘It is so complex and we do this together. It stays a team effort and this is the outstanding characteristic of this team. It is a strong group, it is a determined group, it is a hungry group, and it’s a pleasure to coach them.
‘So full credit to them and from here we go. There is no need to get carried away, but we can enjoy the moment and we want to continue.’
