When the lineups for the Coupe de France final were announced, many fixated on Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to start Leandro Paredes over Marco Verratti. The team lined up in a 4-4-2 setup and Verratti is typically among the mainstay players selected to feature in this formation.
In his post-match press conference, Tuchel explained (via RMC Sport) that the decision had nothing to do with Verratti’s health.
“He [Verratti] is 100% ready but we decided to play 4-4-2, with two numbers 6,” Tuchel said. “It was a choice between him and Leandro Paredes. This is the first time I have left Marco on the bench. He was totally ready to play. It was a super tough decision because they both deserved to play.”
Tuchel explained further on what was the deciding reason for him siding with Paredes in the cup final.
“It’s was a decision for [Paredes] because he played the last match against Dortmund, he was very, very strong,” Tuchel said.
The tactical lineup decision paid off for Tuchel as Paredes had a superb game in the midfield. The Argentine completed 90.5 percent of his passes and created two goal-scoring chances. He also chipped in with three clearances and two tackles won.
It will be interesting to see if Tuchel decides to start Paredes once again in the upcoming Coupe de la Ligue final against Olympique Lyonnais.
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