Pochettino ready to alter Chelsea formation to help Thiago Silva and midfielders
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino could look to utilise a back three in a bid to arrest the Blues' issues and improve their Premier League season.
The west London side dropped to 11th in the division after losing against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have recorded 10 defeats already this term.
Chelsea were booed off the pitch following the 4-2 loss and despite making it through to the Carabao Cup final, the club's season is in danger of petering out by the end of February. In his press conference, Pochettino admitted neither he nor his team had been good enough and change may be required.
He said: "I think we are all not. At the moment, that is the reality. Myself, also, to be the first responsible for this situation. What we were showing today, that we are not good enough. I agree with you 100 per cent. We didn't manage the situation properly and no-one can be safe. I don't want to come here and say I am the best. We are all responsible.
"Even the players. The players need to take some responsibility like I am taking the responsibility, also. I agree with you, at the moment, we are not matching the history of the club. That is true, we have to accept and we need to be critical and not give up. We need to keep working to try and change, maybe take a decision, try to find things in a different way."
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That change could come in Chelsea's formation. The Blues have mostly set up with a four-man backline but could utilise a back three moving forward. It is the system in which Thomas Tuchel found success during his stint with the club, while Graham Potter and Frank Lampard both turned to it hoping to solve their problems.
Pochettino has shown fluidity in using a back three in some phases of transition earlier in the season and pre-season. When Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill have played together on occasion, the latter has moved between left-back and as a third central defender, while Chilwell has operated on the wing.
Mauricio Pochettino talks with Thiago Silva (2023 Chelsea FC)A back three should offer more protection to Thiago Silva who, despite performances that belie his years, has been left exposed on occasion. It could also provide aid for Chelsea's midfield which lacks height.
Pochettino's tactical decisions this term have received criticism. Former England international Jay Bothroyd questioned the Blues boss' midfield choices.
He said on Sky Sports: "Look at Caicedo at Brighton, he's a world beater. I look at him now and he's a shadow of himself. Don't get me wrong, it was a great assist yesterday, it was a great pass. I think he's being played in the wrong way.
"When I've seen Caicedo at his best he's more box to box, now he's more sitting there as a defensive midfielder. I think he's got his formation wrong, I think he's got his personnel wrong.
"I look at Gallagher and when I've seen Gallagher at his best was at Palace when he was on loan, he was No.10 almost, he was scoring goals, he was getting forward he was pressing. Now, even though he's put in some really good performances he's playing deeper. I just think the little details like that are why Chelsea aren't getting results with all the possession they have."
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