Tuchel Defends Tactical Changes After Late Argentina Comeback
Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to make defensive substitutions after England crashed out of the World Cup following a late Argentine turnaround in Atlanta on Wednesday evening. The German manager admitted his side were too passive after taking the lead but insisted his changes were necessary to counter Argentina's aerial threat.
England's wait for a major international success continues after Argentina came from behind to break English hearts. Tuchel was slammed by pundits for his defensive substitutions, but the German has defended his call.
Tuchel's Admission: 'We Were Too Passive'
"We're disappointed, we were so close but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances. We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots," he told the BBC. "We were close but couldn't keep the level up after we scored."
Pundits Slam Defensive Changes
However, his defensive substitutions were slammed as Joe Hart admitted "for him to change it as soon as he did, that is him saying he didn't believe in his team, that he didn't think they could land any more punches on Argentina." Micah Richards added: "Thomas Tuchel was brought in to be the difference. Tactically, we all thought he got it wrong today. When we went to five at the back. I thought we could have kept the momentum going and brought on wingers. Ultimately, we didn't have the answers."
Fans React: 'Expensive Fraud'
Fans' assessments were more scathing. One said: "There’s deluded and then there’s Thomas Tuchel." Another added: "Pathetic interview from Tuchel, arrogantly twice saying there are a million coaches who know better and he's right. He should just have the balls to admit he f***** up, he couldn't even give a proper answer to last question, full of excuses, just an expensive fraud..."
Tuchel's Explanation: 'We Tried to Help the Players'
Tuchel defended his call: "I did also offensive substitutions in the last games, we just tried to help the players. We conceded [a chance] straight away and we decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open. They won every header, they kept crossing and crossing so we went to a back five to close the gaps inside and be strong in the air. Straight after our goal, without any substitutions, we conceded way too many crosses and way too many chances so we tried to help."
He added: "Of course, the responsibility is on the coach and if it doesn't go well, it is easy to say it was wrong."
