While it appeared to be a 4-2-3-1 formation on paper, it was not the formation used by Graham Potter.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Graham Potter is a brilliant manager who should be commended for his tactical approach to the game. Even though Chelsea eventually drew, this game demonstrated that Graham Potter would try to be a managerial gem for Chelsea.
In reality, Chelsea played a 3-5-2 formation against Salzburg, with Recce James and Raheem Sterling both playing as wing-backs, Cucurella, Azpiculeta, and Silva playing as defenders, and Havertz playing as the 10.
Graham Potter stated that the reason he used Reece James and Raheem Sterling as wingbacks was to create dangerous width on the pitch, which he did.
“As far as I was concerned, it was a back three, with Reece and Raheem providing width.” With their 4-3-1-2 formation, Salzburg is very strong in the middle, making it difficult to play through the middle of the pitch. We needed some dangerous width, and Reece and Raheem provided it.”
“They were mostly full-backs in lateral positions and midfielders.” I felt we put Raheem and Reece into some excellent opportunities down that side. Mason was also present, and we scored a terrific goal. Then they defended effectively, blocked well, and their goalkeeper made several excellent saves.”
“We can improve as well, but as I already stated, I am quite pleased with how the guys handled the game.”
His style of play really perplexed Salzburg, as they couldn’t figure out what formation Chelsea utilized during the game.
