Mauricio Pochettino is contemplating a change in formation for Chelsea as a desperate measure to rejuvenate their struggling season. The recent 4-2 defeat to Wolves has heightened the pressure on the manager, with Pochettino admitting that “nobody is safe” at Stamford Bridge. Finding themselves in 11th place and with their season in jeopardy, Pochettino is mulling over a shift away from the 4-2-3-1 formation he typically favors, considering a move to a three-man defense.
The adjustment to a three-man defense is seen as a potential solution to bolster the team’s defensive stability, particularly after conceding four goals in consecutive Premier League matches against Liverpool and Wolves. This switch would also provide added protection for veteran defender Thiago Silva, who was left vulnerable during the game against Wolves. Furthermore, struggling midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, both of whom are under 6ft tall, would benefit from the extra cover behind them in the new formation.
Key players such as Silva, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, and Trevoh Chalobah have experience with a three-man defense, presenting Pochettino with viable options for such a tactical change. Pochettino has previously employed a 3-4-3 system at Tottenham and might also consider a 3-5-2 formation, providing more freedom for wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Malo Gusto to surge forward.
Chelsea has previously flourished with a three-man defense, winning the Premier League title under Antonio Conte in 2017 and clinching the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel in 2021 using this system. However, not all managers have found success with this formation, as indicated by Graham Potter and Frank Lampard. Pochettino hinted at the need for alterations following the defeat to Wolves, emphasizing the necessity to explore different solutions if the current approach is ineffective.
Should Pochettino implement this change, it would deviate from his favored four-man defense, which has been his go-to throughout his managerial career at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, and Paris Saint-Germain. Nevertheless, a drastic shift is imperative as Chelsea prepares for a challenging series of matches. Following their FA Cup fourth-round replay against Aston Villa, Chelsea faces an arduous schedule including a trip to Crystal Palace, an encounter with Manchester City, and the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. Additionally, March fixtures against Brentford, Newcastle, and Arsenal further intensify their upcoming challenges.
Originally targeting Champions League qualification at the start of the season, the recent defeat to Wolves has left Chelsea trailing by 15 points from the top four. Pochettino underscored the collective responsibility of the players and himself in light of their current performance, emphasizing that they are not living up to the club’s historical standards. As Chelsea seeks to regain their form and salvage the remainder of their season, Pochettino’s potential formation alteration represents a pivotal decision in their quest for resurgence.
