A case in point is Ben Chilwell, one of those who began club pre-season the latest due to involvement in the final stages of Euro 2020. He has since found himself missing out to Marcos Alonso for selection on the left-side of the Chelsea team. Thiago Silva had also not played since the Copa America final until Reece James’ red card at Anfield led to the Brazilian’s introduction at half-time.He was one of the three substitutions Tuchel is allowed to make in a Premier League game. The regulations reverted to three from five for last season, with the greater number having been briefly permitted during the crowded conclusion to 2019/20 when that resumed after full lockdown.‘For Ben Chilwell, the explanation is very easy,’ began Tuchel. ‘He came back with the latest group and Marcos Alonso had five weeks in his legs from pre-season.

‘Marcos played the first competitive matches after a fantastic pre-season. He was simply way more ready physically which was natural because of he did every single training session and was fantastic in the games. He played the Super Cup final and three Premier League games.‘Also, we only have three substitutions allowed and this is the biggest problem and this is a huge disadvantage for English teams in European competition. We play in the toughest league and we have only three changes.‘Having to deal with so many physical situations, with the players arriving back late, you cannot say after 60 minutes, Ben now I give you 30 minutes. You cannot say let’s start with Thiago and see how long it goes.’

The boss further explained that the strong performances of those who had a longer pre-season and have been in the team is the main reason why he has not made more changes, but he is pleased with how the Thiago Silva switch forced upon him during the draw at Liverpool went.

‘How Thiago played was excellent. I could feel that he was ready in the last week, he made a huge step and I’ve known him a long time now.‘Chilly needed his time in training to adapt to the intensity. He is ready now but it wasn't the time to push him into the cold water.

‘There would have been a brilliant opportunity to bring Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech on together for the last 20 minutes [at Anfield] but you can’t if you need to make two changes at half-time.‘It is a bit sad because you have more tactical opportunities if you have five changes. I don't understand the arguments of the little teams that they have a disadvantage in this case. I was also a coach for a long time of a little team and I would have loved to have five players available.‘I think it is a huge disadvantage in general in Europe but why complain now, we cannot change it.’