Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge believes Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel is one of the best managers in the world, especially after his masterclass against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season.
The German coach has only been at Stamford Bridge for nine months, but he has already won the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with the Blues. Bridge is a big fan of the 48-year-old, and was particularly impressed by his tactics against Jurgen Klopp's men back in August.
What happened against Liverpool?
The two title contenders faced one another having both won their opening two league games without conceding a goal.
Chelsea controlled most of the first half, and took a deserved lead through a Kai Havertz header from a corner. However, the game turned on the stroke of half-time, when Reece James was controversially sent off for a handball on the goal-line, and Mohamed Salah tucked away the resulting penalty.
With Liverpool back on level terms and having an extra man on the pitch, many would have expected them to go on and get three points after the interval. Instead, they were restricted to half-chances by Tuchel's side, as the game ended 1-1.
What has Bridge said about Tuchel?
Bridge hailed Tuchel for his reaction to James' sending-off, claiming that it was the manager's tactics that earned Chelsea a point that day.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “Thomas Tuchel, one of the best in the world. Liverpool-Chelsea, Chelsea 1-0 up, then Reece James gets sent off right on half-time. Tuchel makes a couple of subs, changes the formation, and keeps it to 1-1.
“Probably the best bit of coaching I’ve seen for years. And we’ve seen what a great result that is now because Liverpool are putting everyone to the sword. That was the coach who did that.”
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What makes Tuchel so good?
As Bridge alluded to, Tuchel's main strength is his tactical flexibility.
Since arriving at Chelsea, he has largely played a 3-4-2-1 formation, and it has worked wonders. However, the team have looked out of sorts at times this season, and have struggled to put many complete performances together.
Tuchel does not wait for things to happen, though - he acts quickly. Last month, after an underwhelming first half against Tottenham, he brought on N'Golo Kante for Mason Mount and moved to a 3-5-2 system to give his side more control in the midfield.
That bold call paid off as Chelsea ran out resounding 3-0 winners after a stunning second half display. This proactive style has served the club well, and could help them win their first Premier League title since 2017 later this season.
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