‘There has been a huge change’ – Tuchel assesses Lille threat before giving Chelsea injury updates
Thomas Tuchel is preparing for Chelsea to meet a difficult opponent in the shape of Lille, despite being aware of where they have weakened.
Tuesday will see the Champions League holders continue their trophy defence against the reigning Ligue 1 titlists. Chelsea will go into the game as favourites, but it will still be a competitive battle.
Lille ended Paris Saint-Germain’s stranglehold on the Ligue 1 trophy last season. Having been PSG boss in the first half of the campaign, Tuchel knows all about the journey Lille have been on. That said, they have undergone a few changes since then.
Tuchel said at a press conference: “They had a fantastic coach and a group of players [last season]. They were very competitive when I was in Paris. They were a strong group, very emotional group, never easy to play in their stadium.
“The quality of the coach was exceptional and you could tell they had the quality to fight high up the table.
“But they lost players and the coach in the summer so there has been a huge change. When the change is so big it may take time for things to settle in.
“They lost another key player in winter with [Jonathan] Ikone but still we all know how physical French football is, how physical the attacking players are, how brave they are in one-on-ones, very disciplined against the ball, and they have the chance to play this game as underdogs.
“It’s like always: we respect the game, respect the opponent, and prepare the team as we always do.”
Tuchel provides Chelsea team news
Chelsea have had a few injury issues in recent weeks, particularly in the full-back positions. Tuchel has therefore had to adapt his approach.
Against Lille, he could be able to call on Cesar Azpilicueta again. He has doubts over Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mason Mount, while Reece James and Ben Chilwell are confirmed absentees.
He explained: “Azpi looks better than Callum. Azpi trained, had no reaction so if it stays like this, he is OK for tomorrow.
“Mason has done individual training yesterday and perhaps he is involved tomorrow but he has not trained with the team yet.
“Reece is still out and Chilly is out.”
Tuchel dispensed with his usual back three in favour of a 4-3-3 on Saturday, when Chelsea edged Crystal Palace. He had to use two centre-backs in the full-back berths.
Asked if he is playing a different system because of the injuries, Tuchel said: “Every style changes with long-term injuries of key players.
“We played many games with a back three and wing-backs and two of the key wing-backs are Reece and Chilly, who got injured at their peak level. They had a huge impact on our game offensively and defensively.
“So of course this changes but we are not the only team where these players have the huge impact and in our system the wing-backs are a crucial position. Still, we can also play and win games without any player; this is our job and what we want to do.
“This is what we try when we have injuries or Covid cases. It’s on us and me to adapt and find solutions.”
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