Chelsea boss says focus was on containing Teesside pair
THOMAS Tuchel paid Isaiah Jones and Jonny Howson the ultimate compliment in his Middlesbrough analysis, admitting the Chelsea focus in the build-up to the FA Cup quarter-final tie was on finding a way to contain the pair.
In preparation for the trip to the Riverside, the Chelsea boss studied Boro’s victories against Manchester United and Tottenham in the third and fourth round and came to the conclusion that his side would have to keep Jones quiet if they wanted to advance to the last four. And they’d have to prevent Howson from setting the tempo in the middle of the park.
Tuchel even tinkered with his setup and his starting XI to contain Jones, bringing Malang Sarr into the Chelsea side, believing the French defender was best equipped to deal with Boro’s right wing-back. The plan worked, and relieved Tuchel told of his delight at how his “disciplined” Chelsea team had done a job on Boro, saying: “It’s tough to come here and make it look so comfortable.”
He said: “I’m super happy. We were very focused. Against the ball we were very disciplined and didn’t allow big chances. Everybody put in a huge effort. We defended and attacked as a team. On the ball we were calm, controlled the match.
“We managed to find ways through the gaps to escape the high press and find spaces behind and create fast attacks. It was a very focused performance and a deserved win.”
Asked specifically what he made of Boro and his thoughts on the Championship, Tuchel said: “We know about the physicality in this league and the amount of games they play and the battles to make it to promotion or the play-offs.
“We focused in the preparation on the games against Manchester United and Tottenham to know what’s coming and make the team understand what’s coming. We knew about their structure and habits and were aware of their strengths of course. We prepared like any other match in the best way possible and adapted a little bit in the structure. They push their right wing-back Jones very high, he plays almost like a winger, so we adapted with Sarr to have the physical strength and speed to match this attacking force of Middlesbrough.
“We knew their captain is a key figure in the middle of the pitch and didn’t want to have him too much involved in the rhythm and distribution.
“There were key points and I’m happy we played with such discipline. It’s tough to come here and make it look so comfortable. Even if it looks comfortable, you have to be happy to do the uncomfortable stuff and cover for each other. It maybe looks comfortable but it never is.”