The final Chelsea manager to defeat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City was Thomas Tuchel.
Calum McFarlane, Chelsea’s acting manager, will now try to emulate the German when his team plays City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Tuchel defeated Guardiola three times throughout the 2020–21 campaign, including in the Champions League final.
The 52-year-old gave an explanation of what his squad accomplished to defeat City and win the European Championship for the second time in Chelsea’s history following the full-time whistle on that incredible night.
Tuchel’s advice was straightforward: show courage and launch a counterattack. With Kai Havertz’s goal coming while half of City’s team was in the Blues’ end of the field, Chelsea accomplished just that.
After the game, Tuchel told TNT Sports, “We wanted to be a stone in their shoe.” Everyone was urged to take action, be more courageous, and launch risky counterattacks.
Chelsea hasn’t defeated City in any competition since. They have now lost 13 straight games against their next opponents.
Chelsea lost six straight games against City after winning the Champions League final in 2021, demonstrating how badly they have battled against Guardiola’s team.
It demonstrates how challenging McFarlane and his men’s assignment will be on Saturday.
At Wembley, Cole Palmer might be the ideal counterattacking weapon.
Cole Palmer’s performance could mean the difference between Chelsea’s triumph and failure if transitions and counterattacks are truly the key to defeating City.
Palmer isn’t the fastest player, but his technical skill more than makes up for it.
One of the best passers in the Premier League, the attacking midfielder typically makes excellent decisions. In a counterattack scenario, you would support Palmer in determining which teammate to pass the ball to before completing the pass.
At Wembley, Chelsea will need the England international to accomplish that. And McFarlane’s team might be able to score if he can do it at least a few times, with Joao Pedro spearheading the assault.
