The announcement of Thomas Tuchel as the new England men’s team manager has led to a media backlash.
Why? Because he is German. Or, more specifically, if we listen to the likes of Gary Neville who has slammed the FA on the appointment, because he’s not English.
Mersey Sport Live took to the streets of Liverpool to find out what people think of the news. As you can see, Tuchel taking the reins has divided opinion.
Dean Poulter, 52, from Birkenhead, said: “If we win the World Cup, then no one will care what nation he’s from. I think people should get behind him.”
Mark Mawhinney, 27, from Walton, stated: “I don’t agree with it; you need someone who understands the values of the country. A German won’t do that.”
Mohammed Gourie, 29, from Toxteth, commented: “Anyone’s got to be better than Southgate. At least Tuchel might play some exciting football.”
Patrick Kelly, 21, from Sheffield, said: “England had an English manager and didn’t win anything, so maybe they need to do something different.”
There are mixed views among football fans on Merseyside. However, one thing is certain, Tuchel takes on one of the toughest jobs in football. The German will aim to add further success to a managerial career that has produced silverware at all the clubs he has managed.
Thomas Tuchel. Our #ThreeLions head coach from 2025. 🏴
— England (@England) October 16, 2024
Tuchel’s vision
The German will aim to add further major successes to his illustrious career. A 14-time trophy winner, he has previously managed Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
In England, Tuchel is best known for rejuvenating a struggling Chelsea squad, taking over from Frank Lampard and leading the team to win the Champions League and earning recognition as one of the world’s best coach in just four months. Success has followed him at nearly every club, amassing 14 trophies throughout his managerial career.
England needed a fresh tactical approach after Southgate’s inability to “bring football home” on four occasions. Looking back at Euro 2024, England often lacked conviction and at times, got branded as “boring” and “one-dimensional.”
This is where Tuchel comes in, a modern, forward-thinking manager known for enhancing player performance by emphasizing control of games. He has a strong philosophy centered on passing, pressing and improving teams going forward.
Tuchel goal stats first season after taking over stats by FBref.com
However, Tuchel is not just a brilliant offensive manager. His teams are also set up to be very difficult to break down. In 100 games at Chelsea, he kept 49 clean sheets, more than any other Premier League side.
Tuchel’s win percentage since the 2015/16 season would make him the second-best manager in England’s history (among those who have managed more than 10 games), just behind Fabio Capello with 66.7%. During this period, Tuchel has managed over 100 more games than any of the top 10 England managers.
Press Conference
In his first press conference, Tuchel expressed that he was “excited and honoured” by his new role. He also mentioned his commitment to fulfilling England’s World Cup dreams and building on the foundations left by Southgate.
Regarding potential squad selections, Tuchel is known for his flexibility especially with formations, having used different set up at every club he has managed.
However, with the significance of the number 10 role in Tuchel’s system, players like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer may become influential. Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his attacking prowess will be a top candidate for a spot. We could even see Bukayo Saka in a wing-back role, something Tuchel’s done in the past.
Upcoming challenges
Tuchel will take over in January, meaning his first test as England boss will be in March 2025 during the World Cup qualifiers, following the completion of the Nations League in November.
He has signed an 18-month contract, which should see him lead the team into the 2026 World Cup. With England coming ever so close in the last four tournaments, could the German guide the nation to international success for the first time in nearly 60 years?
