Tuchel not planning to change formation

Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Chelsea will continue to play with three centre-backs next season.

The Blues will lose key defenders this summer, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving Stamford Bridge. Captain Cesar Azpilicueta might also be on his way out.

But head coach Tuchel believes playing with wing-backs and three centre-backs still suits his players.

The German was asked at his post-match press conference after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Watford if the departures of Rudiger and Christensen might lead to a change of formation.

“I don’t think it’s a problem of structure that we have,” Tuchel replied.

“I think that the structure suits our players very well – not only the players you mentioned (Rudiger and Christensen) but also Thiago Silva and our midfielders and it suits Reece James very well and Ben Chilwell very well because they have a bit more freedom to attack on both sides.

“There were some reasons to play this structure and the way we played it we were very successful. Actually it is not the plan to change it.”

Tuchel says Chelsea have a clear idea of the players they want to bring in during the summer.

He is keen to bolster the squad, but the sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich mean the proposed takeover by a group led by Todd Boehly must go through before Chelsea can do business.

Tuchel said: “We have clear ideas for the characteristics and profiles of these players.

“But it’s not like you put a name on the list and then you get the player. You have to convince the player. There’s normally a lot of work to do.”

Tuchel hopes to have the new additions in by the start of pre-season.

“This is the plan,” he said. “Hopefully we can do this and have everybody ready for the pre-season.

“It’s a pre-season where you have three or four weeks together and we need to be quick and fast to adapt to the qualities and personalities of these new guys.

“But first of all we need to be able to sign, be smart (about) who we sign and be on-point.”