Thomas Tuchel defends Chelsea ace Jorginho for error leading to Manchester United goal
Speaking after the game (h/t The Metro), Thomas Tuchel claimed that Jorginho was affected by the floodlights during his error that led to Manchester United scoring first against Chelsea.
The Blues had to settle for a draw against the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge. Our defensive record was sublime going into the game, having conceded only once from open play.
However, a lapse of judgement at the start of the second half from Jorginho cost Chelsea a vital goal. Alex Telles cleared the ball from a Chelsea corner, and the Italian midfielder was the only man back peddling to gain control of the ball.
Unfortunately, he had a poor touch, and Jadon Sancho pounced to make him pay for the mistake. The winger scored, leaving Jorginho in dismay. However, Tuchel defended his midfielder after the game stating that the floodlights disturbed him and that such mistakes happen.
‘It’s very unusual a mistake like this and to concede a goal like this for us in general, especially with Jorgi.’
‘He misjudged the situation, and he was heavily disturbed by the lights so did not see the ball in the end. It happens. It takes a lot of courage and personality to not be affected during the match and have the courage to take the penalty for the equaliser in the crucial moment.’
Viable excuse?
Regardless of the floodlights, the 29-year-old should have never attempted to bring the ball down in such a dangerous situation. Man United often look to punish teams on the counter-attack by capitalising on the opposition’s mistakes.
Jorginho could have simply back-passed the ball to Edouard Mendy. But these mistakes are often costly, especially in a title race. Man City and Liverpool are two juggernauts and can go on unassailable runs to sway the league title away from us.
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We need our experienced players to step up in the big games rather than costing us important points. The Watford game on Wednesday night is an important tie now, and the Italian ace will be hoping to right his wrongs in mid-week, especially considering City and Liverpool both won their games this weekend.