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When Pep Guardiola perfectly broke down Thomas Tuchel's tactics

When Pep Guardiola perfectly broke down Thomas Tuchel's tactics

Guardiola was clearly very impressed with how his opposition manager set up his teams as the Man City boss explained everything.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Thomas Tuchel's tactics at Chelsea weren't enough to keep him in a job at Stamford Bridge, but they clearly impressed Pep Guardiola, who once broke down his rival manager's tactics perfectly in 37 seconds.

Last week Todd Boehly continued the tradition of Chelsea owners not having too much patience with managers, sacking Tuchel after the American had only been in charge for 100 days, stunning the former PSG boss at the training ground.

It hadn't been a great start to the current campaign for Tuchel but, after a summer of spending that seemed to be geared towards the German, it seemed like a premature decision from the LA Dodgers owner.

The final straw was the 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, emotionally ending Tuchel's time in charge at 100 games.

Tuchel looking forlorn after the loss to Dinamo Zagreb. Image: Alamy
Tuchel looking forlorn after the loss to Dinamo Zagreb. Image: Alamy

Clearly Boehly wasn't impressed and wanted to bring in his own man, in the shape of Graham Potter, but not everyone feels the same way.

Back in 2021, Tuchel led the Blues to European glory, beating Manchester City in the Champions League final, ahead of that game City boss Guardiola was asked about how their opponents play.

The former Barcelona gaffer gave a 37 second speech to Rio Ferdinand, perfectly breaking down why it was so difficult to face the west London side.

Guardiola told BT Sport: "Why Chelsea play so good... because they have three central defenders close, the two holding midfielders who move in relation are close, the pockets are close, the striker and the two [others in attack] are so, so close.

"The distances are so close, and at the same time they are so wide with the wing backs, they are so good with the ball in behind.

"That's why you cannot be close because they push you [out wide] and they have a lot of good players in the middle.

"That's why it's difficult to face teams who want the ball and want to play with the ball. We've tried to do it since day one."

Tuchel in happier times, with the Champions League trophy. Image: Alamy
Tuchel in happier times, with the Champions League trophy. Image: Alamy

Knowing how their opponents were going to play didn't exactly work for City or Guardiola, especially as they seemed to abandon their own plans.

The Spanish manager has been criticised in the past for 'overthinking' big Champions League nights and that seemed to be the case in 2021 final.

He changed tactics and played with neither Rodri or Fernandinho in midfield, and they were done by Kai Havertz goal in the first half.

Havertz winner in the final. Image: Alamy
Havertz winner in the final. Image: Alamy

Potter's first match in charge was due to be the west London derby against Fulham this weekend, until games were postponed following the Queen's death.

Instead he will face Red Bull Salzburg in his first match, at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, before next week's huge game with Liverpool, unless games are once again postponed.

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport

Topics: Manchester City, Chelsea, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Premier League, Champions League

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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@Sidler28