As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Super Cup, they can draw valuable insights from Chelsea's recent 3-0 triumph over the French champions in the Club World Cup final. Chelsea's tactical masterclass exposed PSG's vulnerabilities, offering a blueprint for Spurs to emulate.
1. High-Intensity Pressing to Disrupt PSG's Build-Up
Chelsea's relentless high press suffocated PSG's rhythm from the outset. By applying pressure high up the pitch, Chelsea forced errors and regained possession in dangerous areas. This approach led directly to their opening goal, as Malo Gusto intercepted a misplaced pass, setting up Cole Palmer for a clinical finish. (https://www.espn.com/football/report/_/gameId/735958?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.espn.com/football/report/_/gameId/735958?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">espn.com)
*Tottenham's Application:* Under Thomas Frank, Spurs have shown adaptability in their pressing game. Implementing a coordinated high press could disrupt PSG's build-up play, especially with key players like Gianluigi Donnarumma omitted from the squad amid exit rumours. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/psg-leave-donnarumma-out-uefa-super-cup-squad-amid-exit-rumours-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/psg-leave-donnarumma-out-uefa-super-cup-squad-amid-exit-rumours-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
2. Exploiting the Right Flank with Overloads
Chelsea effectively targeted PSG's left side, creating overloads that led to scoring opportunities. The combination of Reece James, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke stretched PSG's defence, culminating in Palmer's second goal. (https://soccertonic.com/soccer-news/633081/tactical-analysis-chelsea-dismantle-psg-in-tactical-masterclass-to-win-club-world-cup-final/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://soccertonic.com/soccer-news/633081/tactical-analysis-chelsea-dismantle-psg-in-tactical-masterclass-to-win-club-world-cup-final/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">soccertonic.com)
*Tottenham's Application:* Spurs can replicate this by deploying Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson to exploit PSG's left flank. Creating numerical superiority in this area could unbalance PSG's defensive structure, leading to goal-scoring chances.
3. Maintaining Defensive Compactness to Nullify PSG's Attack
Chelsea's compact defensive setup limited PSG's attacking options. By staying organized and disciplined, Chelsea prevented PSG's forwards from finding space, leading to a rare match where PSG failed to score. (https://www.espn.com/football/report/_/gameId/735958?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.espn.com/football/report/_/gameId/735958?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">espn.com)
*Tottenham's Application:* With Cristian Romero's leadership and Micky van de Ven's pace, Spurs can form a solid defensive partnership. Maintaining a compact shape will be crucial in neutralizing PSG's dynamic attackers like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Additional Considerations:
- **Set-Piece Opportunities:** Chelsea's innovative set-piece routines, including short corners, caught PSG off guard. Spurs could incorporate similar strategies to exploit PSG's potential lapses during dead-ball situations. (https://totalfootballanalysis.com/set-piece-analysis/club-world-cup-final-chelsea-psg-set-piece-analysis-tactics?utm_source=openai" alt="https://totalfootballanalysis.com/set-piece-analysis/club-world-cup-final-chelsea-psg-set-piece-analysis-tactics?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">totalfootballanalysis.com)
- **Capitalizing on PSG's Squad Changes:** With Donnarumma's absence and potential squad unrest, PSG might be vulnerable. Spurs should aim to capitalize on any defensive disorganization resulting from these changes. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/psg-leave-donnarumma-out-uefa-super-cup-squad-amid-exit-rumours-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/psg-leave-donnarumma-out-uefa-super-cup-squad-amid-exit-rumours-2025-08-12/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
By adopting these strategies, Tottenham can increase their chances of success against PSG in the Super Cup, turning Chelsea's triumph into a tactical guide for their own European aspirations.
