Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager, has emerged as the favourite to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager. The Times reports that he could be unveiled later this week. It is believed that negotiations could proceed quickly, bringing to an end the FA’s search for a successor to Southgate, who quit after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July.
Tuchel is attractive, in part simply because he is available. He has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season. Appointing him would mean no lengthy or expensive negotiations to prise him away from a club contract. Exact terms have yet to be agreed, but Tuchel is reportedly keen to take the job. He would become the third foreign coach to manage the England team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Neither could be described as successes in the role.
It would also appear to be curtains for Lee Carsley, England’s under-21 head coach, who had been put in charge for six Nations League games until next month. He presided over Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Finland but also oversaw the shambolic defeat to Greece last week. Carsley hasn’t exactly helped his cause by a series of bizarre utterances in which he seemed to rule himself out of the running.
Tuchel has qualities that recommend him to the FA. His command of English is excellent (unlike Capello), and has also worked in the Premier League and is familiar with many of the players. He coached England’s captain, Harry Kane, at Bayern last season.
So he ticks plenty of boxes, but so does Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, whose contract expires at the end of this season. The FA were reportedly keen on Guardiola, but few seriously believed that he would want the England job. The official remit is for ‘a world-class coach who has won trophies’ to manage England. Tuchel certainly qualifies on that score. But his time at every club is also remembered for bust-ups with everyone from players to higher-ups. Tuchel’s time at PSG included a falling-out with the club’s sporting director, Leonardo. He was eventually sacked in 2021. He was then hired by Chelsea to replace the struggling Frank Lampard, leading the club to Champions League glory. But he lasted just 20 months at Stamford Bridge before an inevitable falling-out with the new owners. And therein lies the problem.
Some see Eddie Howe of Newcastle as a better long-term option
Tuchel is nothing if not combative. It has been reported that he once made a player crawl on all fours as a punishment. He has a habit of picking rows with senior players and rival coaches (who can forget the infamous occasion on which he squared up to Antonio Conte, refusing to let go of his hand on the touchline?). How will England players, used to Southgate’s cuddly arm-around-the-shoulder approach, cope?
Plenty of England fans will also be unhappy with Tuchel as the national manager. Some see Eddie Howe of Newcastle as a better long-term option. There are still some who think the job should go to an English coach, first and foremost. One thing is for certain: Tuchel’s reign will not be free of controversy. He might just be the most divisive manager the FA suits could have chosen.
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