Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel has agreed to become the new manager of the England men’s national football team. The 51-year-old German will be the third foreign manager to take charge of the team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. The Football Association (FA) accelerated talks with Tuchel on Tuesday, finalizing the deal to make him Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor.
The FA began its search for a new head coach after Southgate stepped down, with Thomas Tuchel being on their shortlist from the beginning. The process also considered top names like Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and interim manager Lee Carsley. Although the FA had high hopes for luring Guardiola, it was always considered a long shot, while English candidates like Eddie Howe and Graham Potter also featured in discussions.
Howe, however, is committed to Newcastle United, where he has a £5 million release clause in his contract, and Potter is inclined towards returning to club management after leaving Chelsea in April 2023.
Thomas Tuchel’s Impressive Managerial Record
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment comes after a stellar managerial career, most notably leading Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021. He has a proven track record across top European clubs, having previously managed Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
At PSG, he won multiple domestic titles, though he narrowly missed out on the Champions League, losing in the 2020 final to Bayern. He redeemed himself by winning the Champions League with Chelsea the following year. Additionally, he won the DFB-Pokal with Dortmund and the Bundesliga with Bayern, cementing his status as one of the top managers in Europe.
One of the key factors in Tuchel’s selection is his leadership and charisma. Known for his outspokenness and willingness to take a stand on important issues, Tuchel notably spoke out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while Chelsea was still owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. His command of English and familiarity with British football culture also made him an ideal fit for the role.
Though he has left several clubs under strained circumstances due to disagreements with players and management, Tuchel’s ability to inspire and build momentum makes him a compelling choice to lead England forward. His media presence and engaging personality have won over fans, particularly during his time at Chelsea.
With Thomas Tuchel expected to be officially introduced at Wembley on Wednesday, England will embark on a new chapter under the leadership of one of Europe’s most successful coaches. The FA’s decision to hire its first German manager signals its willingness to think beyond nationality and prioritize experience and expertise as it aims for future success.
