Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Mateo Kovacic will start Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg against Atletico Madrid.
Leeds United held Tuchel’s side, Chelsea, to a goalless stalemate, and he
(Tuchel) reveals he is disappointed with the results. Tuchel granted Kovacic a rest as he will without both Mason Mount and Jorginho against Atletico, suspended.
“I don’t like to do this, but in central midfield, we will miss Jorgi and Mason (against Atletico Madrid), so we took the decision to give Kova a rest,” Tuchel said before Kickoff.
Despite the draw against Leads, Tuchel continues his unbeaten run since taking over Chelsea. The Coach once again rotated his squad with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho pairing in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Tuchel has revealed that his stars are using secret code words to outwit opponents. As part of the Coach’s innovative tactics, he revealed that the secret words leave rivals baffled when Blues attacking.
The German said that he uses this tactic to fool the opponents. The tactics are said to have key-words that tell which side to run, whether high balls or go short.
“It just makes the attacks quicker and more deadly because sometimes a guy passing does not even have to look up to know where the runner will be.
“They use different words all the time too, so you can’t even work it out during the game.”
According to the manager, the secret has been successful so far and helps the team create enough chances to win. Tuchel also highlighted the Elland Road condition and the difficulty they encounter.
“I think we could have won exactly the same game. We created enough chances, enough shots, enough touches to score one or two goals.
“Unfortunately and obviously we did not, so we have to live with a draw, but yes at the same time it was a difficult pitch, very difficult conditions, very slippery, very bouncy,” he said.
“But we accept all the difficulties in an away game against a team that puts a lot of pressure on you,” he added.