He had one training session and one day before his first game in charge for Chelsea, but that didn’t stop Thomas Tuchel switching formations and making some tactical changes.
The minute he knew that he would be taking charge of Chelsea versus Wolves last week, Tuchel started to come up with a plan for how he would setup with his trusty assistants.
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Part of that plan was who would they pick as a right wing-back. Reece James would be the natural choice, and he was considered.
But they opted with Callum Hudson-Odoi in the end and what a bold and successful move it was. The 20-year old has since put in two fine performances in that role and although it is early days, he has been tipped to thrive there under Tuchel.
But the German boss has since admitted that he hadn’t realised that Hudson-Odoi has never played in that position before he made the selection, as reported by the Chelsea website.
“I didn’t know he hadn’t played wing-back before.
“Maybe it was a good thing I didn’t ask because maybe I would have doubted my decision!
“We just had one training session before the Wolves game. We were flying in on the same day and wondering what structure to implement to give the team a good feeling, and to have a solid block defensively but also to attack freely.
“To play with four you have to be very disciplined, and the automatisms between the line of four have to be very synchronised.
“So we opted for a back five and we didn’t want to get too defensive. We thought about trying Reece and Callum on the right side in training. Callum fitted very good and we wanted to have at least four offensive guys on the pitch from the start.
“We just let him drive and he did very good, showing all his qualities he has: the high speed, the quick recoveries, dribbles, good one-on-one.
“He took his chance. There was no need to change for the second game and he did another good match.
“Maybe in some defensive duels in the air there is space to improve, but this is absolutely normal. I am very happy he was happy to be on the pitch. He has given his best and that’s what we have asked for.’
“I do it only if I see something in a player, and at the same time it’s a situation where it could help the team.
“Then I don’t hesitate to challenge or try to convince the player, but not against their will. If we approach them we show them pictures, we explain to them, and of course we listen to their opinion and see if they feel comfortable.
“In the end they have to feel comfortable to bring out their best in a game. With Callum it was a big advantage I was new and it had been one day. Which player would say no? Everybody was happy to start, and he took his chance.”
