Thomas Tuchel qualified from the Champions League group stage as PSG manager, but he will take charge of Chelsea for the knockouts.
It’s a strange situation, but there you go. He’s not had long in charge at Stamford Bridge, but he’s made a few decisions that seem decisive – he doesn’t fancy N’Golo Kante, at least in this 343. And he doesn’t like to use Reece James when CHO is available.
Those are pretty controversial moves for most Chelsea fans, who would likely have both players in their starting XI for any game, and the German coach’s selection for tonight’s game with Atletico Madrid has sparked plenty of chatter on social media, as one might expect.
On the other side, Joao Felix starts for Atleti. This could be a spicy one, and we really hope we’re not left wishing Kante was on the pitch. “Where’s Kante?” asked one anxious Blue on Twitter.
In Tuchel we trust…
You can see a selection of the reaction embedded here:
Very interested to see Hudson-Odoi’s reaction tonight. I suspect it’s easier to stomach being a subbed sub and public criticism if the coach then picks you for a huge game #CFC https://t.co/Gqjkv91qaR
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) February 23, 2021
Need Giroud to pretend Atlético is Sevilla
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) February 23, 2021
Here's your Chelsea starting 11 for #ATMCHE! 👊🔵 pic.twitter.com/T5FqtEkdiX
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 23, 2021
Unbelievable… cant believe Tuchel prefers Alonso to Chilwell🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️. And where is Kante??🤦🏻♂️ @talkchelsea @Jimmie_tobie ☹️
— Michael Adeyemi👑 (@kiingmic_) February 23, 2021
https://twitter.com/LomoShugah/status/1364286085216501762
WHY WOULD HE START ALONSO
— UnknownAk3al (@iheartkeally) February 23, 2021
https://twitter.com/TuchyLil/status/1364285348038266887
Why no Kanté?🧐
— Turtle (@ShaunMcGarvey) February 23, 2021
https://twitter.com/daizeegraceyy/status/1364292522487480320
Toothless
— Sebastjan Kolenc (@KolencSebastjan) February 23, 2021
Big night for those senior players especially, Rudiger, Alonso, Kovacic, Jorginho etc. Year 11s leading the Year 7s tonight. Set the standards and show why you have futures at this football club. These are the games to judge you on, talk your talk then.
— MAH (@matissearmani) February 23, 2021
Chelsea chasing their first win in nine attempts away from home in the #UCL knockout stages this evening. https://t.co/KThHI1qzaD
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) February 23, 2021
