CHELSEA midfielder Jorginho has appeared to fire a shot at previous manager Frank Lampard’s ‘long ball’ tactics.
The Italy international is enjoying life under Thomas Tuchel, with the new boss STILL unbeaten since replacing Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are unbeaten in 13 games since the German took over, with Tuchel employing a possession-based game.
Chelsea are also into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, where they will take on Porto.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Jorginho says he is ‘enjoying’ the style of football.
He is usually paired in the middle of the park with Mateo Kovacic or N’Golo Kante.
The 29-year-old said: “The coach wants us having control of the game, playing from behind, even when the pressure comes.
“So, for me, it’s a good way to play football that I like and enjoy, and I think it’s better for my characteristics than playing long balls, and second balls.
“When it’s Kova [Mateo Kovacic], his style is to play short, to come, so I know if he wants to play one-two or when he wants some space to move forward and to dribble.
“So, I just try to help him, either give him the space, or come over to help him and give him an option – whatever he needs to get out of the situation.
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“With Kante, it’s kind of the same. When you play with your mates, you need to understand each other, and understand their characteristics as well. So, I know that Kante has big power, so I tell him when he can turn.
“With Kante, it’s more about talking: ‘Turn!’ ‘Man on!’ or talking so he knows I’m there for the short pass. So, I just try to give him an option to do a one-two and get out.
“Oh yes, big brains [Kante and Kovacic have big brains]. They have more legs than me, though!”
Lampard had come under increasing pressure after a horror start to the Premier League season.
Chelsea sat way down in ninth place at the midway point in the 2020-21 campaign, despite a £228.7million summer splurge.
And that shocking run saw Lampard, 42, given the boot – with assistant manager Jody Morris also leaving the club.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
