Thomas Tuchel did not get the win he would have wished for in his first game as Chelsea manager against the Wolves on Wednesday evening.
However, some blues fans have noticed a big plus in the goalless draw.
After being named Frank Lampard’s successor Tuesday night, Tuchel only had one training session before settling on a team on Stamford Bridge.
And his choice sparked a massive response not only from Chelsea fans, but also from BT Sport experts Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch, as he was surprised by Mason Mount’s omission.
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“It’s definitely an identity change,” said Crouch. “I felt that Frank had brought the identity back at Chelsea – a clear plan that will get the youth through, whether that plan will be realized now because he has selected some experienced players there and the fact that he is Mason Mount and Reece James dropped – who, in Frank’s tenure, were two of the best players.
“Of course, Mount, who created more opportunities than any other Chelsea player, how does he have to feel now?”
Mount’s absence offered Kai Havertz a chance to impress the new manager, and he played a more advanced attacking midfield role for the entire 90 minutes.
Tuchel’s decision almost paid off in stoppage time in the second half when the German international’s header was destined for the net, just for a distraction that got him over the bar.
Even so, some blues fans seem to have been encouraged by Havertz’s overall performance.
Much of the reaction on social media has centered on Havertz, who made more forward runs during Tuchel’s first game for Chelsea.
Check out what has been said on Twitter …
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Before the game, Tuchel revealed his plan to get the most out of the attacking Havertz and Chelsea players when he explained his philosophy.
“I hope we will attack and play great football. We play for goals and create opportunities at the same time,” said Tuchel. “When I think of Chelsea football, it’s an intense game, a game with a mentality, a winning mentality that can defend hard and strong, compact and solid, even as a group.
“We want to do that, we see a lot of talent. We have a good mix of experience, personality and young players and of course we want to encourage them to play offensively and to be active in every moment of the game.”
