“The idea”- Chelsea boss explains reason behind Sterling and Pulisic playing as wing-backs vs RB Salzburg

Chelsea manager Graham Potter lent his view on starting Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic as wing-backs vs RB Salzburg

Speaking in the press conference after the game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea boss Graham Potter offered his view and explanation on starting Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic as wing-backs against RB Salzburg in the Champions League.

The Blues won the game 2-1 in Austria with superb goals from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz. Pulisic provided the assist for the latter, although the finish was sumptuous.

It was interesting to see Potter placing Sterling and Pulisic, two naturally attack-minded wingers, as wing-backs. He did it with the former when Chelsea played Salzburg at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago. The narrowness of the Austrian side’s midfield helped in getting extra space in wide areas.

Here’s what the manager said regarding this tactic (h/t Football.London):

“The idea, because of how Red Bull defend, they often give you the opposite space. So if you can get the ball out to someone good in one-vs-one situations, you can have an advantage potential. But also, it makes them stretch across the pitch and open up games in their very organised line. It worked quite well today and I’m pleased for the boys.”

Both Sterling and Pulisic were very good in this game and vindicated the manager’s decision. It is another tick in Potter’s box of tactical innovations to always be a step ahead of the opposition. As he said before the Brentford game, he doesn’t mind changing formations as long as it helps in dominating teams and working the combinations well.

The manager would be further proud of the fact that this victory has made Chelsea group winners with a game to spare. It will help him rest a few key players for the next Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb. The focus on the remaining three league games before the World Cup games intensifies now.

Up next for Chelsea is a trip back to Brighton and Hove Albion for Potter for the first time since he left the Seagulls to replace Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

More Chelsea News:

• Transfer News: Kevin Campbell tips Chelsea to sign Cristiano Ronaldo on loan in January
• Chelsea receive possible encouragement from Frenkie de Jong over a January move
• Report: Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic will push for January exit

It will not be an easy game against a team Potter knows very well, and a team that has been doing well under their new boss Roberto De Zerbi. They have struggled for goals but do create a lot of chances. Chelsea will have to be aware of that defensively.