EXCLUSIVE Jorginho for Mozzart Sport Kenya: Tuchel has changed us, now we are in control of the game

The legendary Johan Cruyff used to say that "playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing to do." That quote of his often comes to our minds when we see Jorginho playing. The 29-year-old experienced Chelsea midfielder displays almost unprecedented both simplicity and versatility on the pitch. Without a single sufficient move or dribble, the Italian deep-lying playmaker of Brazilian origins has flourished under the command of Thomas Tuchel. Just like the entire Chelsea's squad.

In an exclusive interview for Mozzart Sport Kenya, on the day of their derby clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Jorginho admits he and his teammates are delighted with changes Tuchel brought to the club.

As German as it gets: Tuchel substituted the player after 30 minutes

"Who wouldn't be happy? We are doing well and winning games," smiles Jorginho, who struggled a bit at the beginning of the season with Frank Lampard in the dugout.

However, tables have turned dramatically since the German tactician took over the job in late January. Since then, Chelsea haven't lost eight games in a row, winning four out of five last Premier League ties.

"Tuchel has brought us new ideas about how to play the game. Until now, it's working; we are doing our best to work hard and keep on winning games.

"He is trying to advise us how to play, with more possession at the opponents half. He wants us to find the solutions with short connections and then counter-press (its origins are in German gegenpressing - the football philosophy nurtured by Jurgen Klopp; an immediate ball recovery thanks to pressure). We are trying to control the game more than earlier. It suits us. I feel very comfortable playing that way. We have the ability and characteristics to play that way. The coach understood that, and he is trying to make us do our best," emphasizes Jorginho, the former player of Italian sides Verona, Sanbonifaces and, finally, Napoli, where he spent four prolific years before arriving in West London in 2019.

Jorginho and Tuchel (©Reuters)

Jorginho's full name is actually Jorge Luiz Frello Filho, and he was born in Brazil, moving to Italy at the age of 15. On our reporter's suggestion that he's Brazilian-born but plays more like an Italian box-to-box midfielder, Jorginho laughs, stating it's not valid. His style is, in his own words, comprised of both.

"Yes, I have that technique from Brazil, but how I think of the tactic's on the pitch, how to perform faster and simpler with just one touch with the ball – I got that from Italy, to be honest. And, also, the knowledge I use when we need to defend, that part is also Italian.

"In Brazil, happiness in football is essential. It's about being happy on the pitch and making a show for those who are watching. We brought that to Europe. Of course, it becomes even better to watch a modified, upgraded version of that football when our players learn here how to use their skills in a much more tactics-oriented game," explains he.

Asked about his thoughts on African football, Jorginho is straightforward, just like on the pitch.

"To be honest, I don't know much about African football. I'm only familiar with the African players that I play together with or against them. What's the most impressive about them, it's their physicality; that's something special they have."

Jorginho taking a knee to honour the BLM movement (©Reuters)

The eyes of the whole football world, African including, will be today on Jorginho and his Chelsea, facing the Red Devils in one of the greatest English derbies. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, it will be played behind closed doors just like all the other fixtures so far, which affects the players and fans.

"It's not easy, but we are trying to do our best. We hope to win three points. It's a big game! We'll try to win, stop them from scoring. They are doing really, very, very well. They are a tough opponent to play, but we'll prepare this game in order to win," adds Chelsea's mastermind, who knows the formula for success:

"We just need to stay calm and be humble because we are doing well, but we need to work very hard and keep that mentality. You never know what can happen in football in a couple of months. So we just need to continue working like that, and then we'll see the results," concludes Jorginho for Mozzart Sport Kenya.

By: NEVEN CVIJANOVIĆ, Sport Klub TV reporter