- Thomas Tuchel was named England’s new manager earlier this week.
- The FA stated that “approximately 10 coaches” were interviewed for the position
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all starting!available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
Graham Potter has joined Eddie Howe on a long list of coaches who have not been interviewed by the Football Association of England for the head coaching role.
On Wednesday, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said that, along with technical director John McDermott, the organization had interviewed “approximately 10 coaches”, including “some English candidates”, before appointing Thomas Tuchel.
However, it is understood that at least seven of the most suitable local coaches were not interviewed by the FA.
On Friday afternoon, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also denied that he had been approached for the job.
Potter, according to well-placed sources, was not interviewed for the role.
German manager Thomas Tuchel was named England’s new manager earlier this week.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham (second left) said “approximately 10 coaches” were interviewed.
But Newcastle’s Eddie Howe was one of seven English managers not interviewed by the FA.
Mail Sport revealed on Thursday that Howe, arguably the most suitable English candidate, was not interviewed, the Newcastle manager confirmed on Friday.
Howe was asked if he was among the people who had been spoken to and said: “I wasn’t.” There was no contact from the FA. England have to do what is right for them.
‘Only they will know the processes they have gone through. For me it’s about Newcastle. I remain 100 percent focused on my work; if you stop concentrating, work becomes impossible.’
Sean Dyche, Frank Lampard, Gary O’Neil, Steve Cooper and Russell Martin are among the British managers who have also not been interviewed.
Real Madrid coach Ancelotti was also asked if he was a candidate and responded: “No. I didn’t know anything about the English team.
“In my opinion, they have chosen a very good coach. He is very strong tactically and has shown it throughout his entire career. I wish him the best.’
Mail Sport reported earlier this week that Pep Guardiola was sounded out about the role in the close season.
Graham Potter joined Howe on a long list of English managers who were not interviewed
Frank Lampard was also among the other English managers the FA did not speak to.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he had not been contacted.
Manchester City manager Guardiola avoided the topic when speaking on Friday.
While some of the aforementioned managers or representatives would likely have been initially canvassed about the previous England vacancy, Mail Sport’s reporting regarding those who were not interviewed raises questions about the FA’s recruitment process.
Speaking on Thursday, Everton boss Dyche said: “They mentioned about 10, I don’t know what it is roughly.”
‘Either there are 10 or they are not. I was quite intrigued by that. Of the 10, I imagine there will be an English or British coach. I don’t know. I certainly wasn’t (interviewed), not that I asked for it.’