Thomas Tuchel delivered a message to English fans unhappy with his appointment in his first press conference since being named the Three Lions’ new permanent manager on Wednesday afternoon.
Tuchel is the third foreign manager to take charge of England after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, and his appointment has not been well received in all quarters.
Some fans believe the England manager should always be English, but the 51-year-old German will lead the national team until the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to the media, Tuchel referred to the reaction of some fans and said: “Sorry, I only have a German passport… but all these fans can feel my passion for the English Premier League, how I love working here, how I love living here.
“Hopefully I can convince them that I am proud to be England manager.”
Thomas Tuchel has addressed backlash over his appointment as he becomes England’s third foreign manager.
Tuchel jokingly apologized for having a German passport but insisted he is fully committed to achieving success for England.
Tuchel has only signed an 18-month contract but has no problems with the relatively short term as he takes his first step into international management.
Eriksson led England to three consecutive quarter-finals, but no further, while Capello could only take the team to the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup, but Tuchel is confident he can surpass his foreign predecessors and lead the Three Lions to the goal. .
“I have good experience with 18 months, I am working on my game in the long term, the thing is that in this particular case it was important to have a framework, it is a step towards the unknown for me,” Tuchel admitted.
‘The last thing I could understand is that something that can really excite me to the maximum was the 18 month period. Push myself not to lose focus.
‘It is a good schedule because it will help us not lose focus, it is very agile and easy to explain. “We are here to work for the best possible result for the World Cup.”
Sven-Goran Eriksson was England’s first foreign manager, but he failed to lead the team to glory.
Fabio Capello was England’s second foreign coach, but he only took the Three Lions to the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup.
Caretaker manager Lee Carsley sparked controversy last month when he refused to sing the national anthem before England’s Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Having been born and raised in Germany, Tuchel was asked if he planned to sing God Save The King or follow Carsley’s lead.
Tuchel responded: I understood from (FA CEO) Mark (Bullingham) that it is a personal decision.
‘I haven’t made my decision yet. I want to be honest with you. Your anthem is very moving.’
Tuchel will not take up his role until January, and Carsley will remain on the touchline for England’s final two Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland next month.
Tuchel will then take over and will be assisted by the prestigious English coach Anthony Barry.
The German manager will also reportedly attack former club Chelsea by bringing in goalkeeping coach Hilario and a video analyst from the Premier League club.
Once it begins in early 2025, pressure will mount on Tuchel and fans desperate for the England men’s team to finally win a major tournament for the first time since 1966.
He has insisted he is up to the challenge of delivering on the big stage for England, who are aiming to win in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026.
“I am prepared for the great challenge, I am prepared for this task, I am prepared for 18 months with this group and to be part of this incredible federation,” Tuchel added.
‘These are all the reasons to intervene. The pressure on the personal side, the media pressure that might arise if things don’t go so well, is not as important a part of the decision making. I’m not sorry that much.
“It’s always a privilege, and my love and passion for the game always outweighs the disadvantages.”
More to follow…
