Despite Thomas Tuchel’s explanation of his team selection in his first Chelsea game as manager, pundit Micah Richards has called him out for the decision to leave out Mason Mount and Reece James from the XI.
New Blues manager Tuchel watched his side draw 0-0 with Wolverhampton Wanders on Wednesday and he picked his team off the back of just one training session with the group.
The German manager made it clear in the media it was not fair to leave anyone out having only just arrived.
Chelsea midfielder Mount, who was an ever-present under ex-boss Frank Lampard, dropped down to the bench and enjoyed a bright cameo as a substitute.
Meanwhile, right-back James was also put on the bench and failed to get on the pitch.
Richards was not pleased that both academy graduates were axed from the XI, suggesting it sent out the wrong message.
“I know he has explained at great length why it was unfair not to pick Mason Mount and Reece James, and pointed out he wanted experience,” Richards told the Daily Mail.
“This feels like a bit of a cop out. It would suggest the first thing Tuchel knew about Chelsea’s interest in him came after Frank Lampard had been sacked, but it is a nonsense to think he had not watched any of the club’s recent games.
“What Tuchel did by not including Mount and James — and let’s not forget Tammy Abraham, who had scored a hat-trick against Luton on Sunday — has put the thought in some people’s minds that Chelsea are going to abandon the faith they had recently shown in young players.
“If you are left out of a team because you haven’t been good enough or someone is better than you, it stings but you can deal with it. When you are left out without real explanation, it is hard to stomach. Whatever Tuchel has said to Mount and James in recent days, they will still feel a sting.”
The Chronicle View
It’s hard to read any criticism of Tuchel right now, even if it is about leaving out both Mount and James.
Most Chelsea fans would put the two youngsters in their best XI and form shows this season they should be in the team, but Tuchel doesn’t deserve immediate criticism after just one game.
The likelihood is that both will be impressing him on the training ground and perhaps criticism can come in a few games time if they are still left out.
Tuchel’s overall impression has been a positive one, showing great enthusiasm, passion and desire to be a success at Stamford Bridge.
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