Jamie O’Hara believes Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel made a “poor decision” with his substitutions during Sunday’s League Cup final defeat to Liverpool.
The Blues suffered heartache at Wembley today by losing 11-10 on penalties to Liverpool, with the game finishing goalless after 120 minutes of enthralling action.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was specifically substituted on during extra-time with a view to penalties, didn’t prevent any of the opposition’s spot-kicks. Also, he skied his penalty over the crossbar to hand the win to the Merseyside club.
First of all, Tuchel made an outstanding choice with his starting line-up by naming Mendy.
The 29-year-old made some excellent saves in the match to keep the Blues level, which justified bringing their number one goalkeeper back into the side for the competition’s final.
O’Hara says Mendy looked “unbeatable” during the cup showdown, so believes getting rid of him for the spot-kicks was a mistake.
Chelsea fans should cherish Tuchel
Of course, with hindsight it was an error to make the last-minute goalkeeper swap.
This is a formula that’s worked in the past before, though.
Tuchel has more than enough credit in the bank to perhaps make a tiny blunder, but even then he would’ve been praised if the shoot-out had gone his side’s way.
The focus should be on how the German coach set up a team that went toe to toe with Liverpool.
It’s a rollercoaster ride at Stamford Bridge where you never know how long any manager will last, but so many of the Chelsea supporters are hoping Tuchel can break the mould to enjoy a long-term success story.
Blues supporters are watching a truly gifted manager at work. This won’t be his last cup final, too.
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