“Reflection of frustration”- Tuchel slams Chelsea defensive ace for Leeds United disaster show

Thomas Tuchel has criticised Chelsea star Kalidou Koulibaly for his red card

Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea were blown apart by a rampant Leeds United side last Sunday. The hosts comfortably beat the Blues 3-0, courtesy of goals from Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison. But that was not all that went wrong for Chelsea.

Everyone thought that goalkeeper Edouard Mendy would make the headlines after his howler let Leeds take the lead. But it was his compatriot Kalidou Koulibaly who made the headlines, all for the wrong reasons. The 31-year-old was sent off in the 84th minute when the match was already decided.

The Senegalese international was first booked in the opening minutes for a shirt tug on Aaronson. This forced him to play more cautiously throughout the game. But he then foolishly pulled down Joe Gelhardt and was sent off. In an interview published in the Metro, Tuchel slammed the centre-back for his decision.

It is a bit of a reflection of frustration, and it cannot happen. We cannot get frustrated in the Premier League. It is a pure joy to play games in an atmosphere like this. We should just do it and accept it. It is not okay, and it is not good.

Koulibaly was the second signing for Tuchel this summer. The 31-year-old played fantastic in the first two games, but at Elland Road, he struggled. But he cannot be completely blamed, as none of the Blues players were good enough on the pitch that day.

Conor Gallagher got his first start and he struggled in the midfield. Mendy had a very bad game and was completely at fault for the first goal. The forwards were not good enough, while the wing-backs failed to create many chances.

But Koulibaly’s suspension adds another headache for Tuchel. His side is short on natural centre-back, to begin with, and they have now lost another one. Trevoh Chalobah could leave on loan before the next game and that would then leave only three natural centre-backs in the squad.

Reece James has been playing as centre-back for the last two games, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek starting at the right wing-back position. Marc Cucurella is also capable of playing in the centre-back when required. Chelsea are currently chasing Wesley Fofana and could do with him before the next game this Saturday.

More Chelsea News:

• West Ham United agree fee to sign Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri
• Thomas Tuchel hints at Chelsea opting against signing a new midfielder this summer
• Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was not overly critical of Edouard Mendy’s mistake against Leeds United

The Blues will play host to Leicester City this Saturday. With limited options at the back, and a potential target being chased, this could be an interesting week for the west London club. It will be interesting to see how they line-up, particularly at the back for their next game.