Jorginho reveals he prefers Chelsea’s style of football since Thomas Tuchel arrived at the club… and criticises Frank Lampard ‘long-ball’ approach on the club’s official website
- Chelsea are unbeaten in 13 matches since Thomas Tuchel took over in January
- The Blues have let in just two goals since his arrival and have jumped to fourth
- Jorginho has established himself under Tuchel and is the penalty-taker again
- The Italy international had been in and out of the side under Frank Lampard
- The 29-year-old will hope to return to the starting XI against Sheffield United
Jorginho has aimed a thinly veiled dig at his former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, saying that successor Thomas Tuchel‘s style of football is ‘better for my characteristics’.
The Italy midfielder has appeared in all but one of the Blues’ league games since Tuchel succeeded Lampard in early January and has been a regular starter under the German, having been in and out of the team under his predecessor.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Jorginho reflected on Tuchel’s start to life at Stamford Bridge and has revealed that the new head coach’s possession-based game is more to his liking.
Jorginho has been one of Thomas Tuchel’s most trusted players since the German’s arrival
The Italy international has also scored all three of his penalties since Tuchel joined the club
‘The coach wants us having control of the game, playing from behind, even when the pressure comes,’ Jorginho said.
‘So, for me, it’s a good way to play football that I like and enjoy, and I think it’s better for my characteristics than playing long balls and second balls.
‘When it’s Kova [Mateo Kovacic], his style is to play short, to come, so I know if he wants to play one-two or when he wants some space to move forward and to dribble.
‘So, I just try to help him, either give him the space, or come over to help him and give him an option – whatever he needs to get out of the situation.
‘With Kante, it’s kind of the same. When you play with your mates, you need to understand each other, and understand their characteristics as well. So, I know that Kante has big power, so I tell him when he can turn.
‘With Kante, it’s more about talking: ‘Turn!’ ‘Man on!’ or talking so he knows I’m there for the short pass. So, I just try to give him an option to do a one-two and get out.’
Jorginho feels Tuchel’s style is better suited to him than Frank Lampard’s ‘long-ball’ tactics
Under Tuchel, Chelsea have jumped from eighth to fourth and now seem favourites to clinch the final Champions League for next season.
In addition, they are unbeaten in 13 games – winning nine of them – and have let in just two goals in that time, keeping 11 clean sheets in the process.
Jorginho, who has also scored all three of his penalties since regaining spot-kick duties from Timo Werner, will hope to return to the fold on Sunday when Chelsea host Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-finals after the 29-year-old was suspended for the 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid after picking up a yellow card in the first leg in the Spanish capital.
Chelsea last won the FA Cup in 2018 against Manchester United and have lifted it eight times
Chelsea have won the FA Cup eight times, the most recent of which was a 1-0 triumph over Manchester United in 2018.
Last year’s final wasn’t so pleasant for the west London though, as they were defeated 2-1 by Arsenal.