Timing of Thomas Tuchel’s England appointment reeks of desperation
This was not in the script. Lee Carsley was meant to sail through his interim reign as England boss and land the job to predictable sighs.
However, while navigating his vessel through choppy Greek waters, his ears were pricked by the alluring sirens of the English press, who led him astray.
In the aftermath, an irregular successor has emerged. While Thomas Tuchel’s CV alone should grant him the England job, the timing of the appointment reeks of desperation.
Lee Carsley failed his Three Lions audition
Understandably, the FA wanted to take their time in appointing a new England manager, but the aftermath of Carsley’s Greek disaster forced them to hit the panic button.
In an ideal world for the football governing body, Carsley would have waltzed through his audition as Three Lions boss, leaving the FA with an easy, dull decision that nobody could contest. Instead, he fell into every media trap possible and triggered millions of facepalm emojis to be sent throughout the country.
The former (and likely future) England under-21s manager was every bit as level-headed and straight talking as Gareth Southgate. In the FA’s eyes, the ideal successor. However, his impulsive words generated a swift response.
While there are no international tournaments of note on the horizon, the thought of not qualifying from Nations League group B is humiliating. While Greece were immense, England were clueless, and there is much to fix in this fragmented side.
England hit the panic button in appointing Thomas Tuchel
The air around the appointment stinks of haste – Carsley forced the FA’s hand. They could not bear the thought of the nation’s beloved football team plummeting into further despair. After all, this is England, on paper, the best nation in world football.
It is not the FA’s choice of manager that reeks of desperation, but rather the timing of their decision. If Carsley guided England through safe passage against Greece and Finland, then we would likely be no closer to knowing Southgate’s successor.
So why now? Tuchel was available when Southgate resigned from his post in July, and if the FA were so desperate for his services, then why not act sooner?
The German had been without a job since departing Bayern Munich on June 30th and reportedly had a desire to return to English football. With Erik Ten Hag tripping over every obstacle at Manchester United, it felt like the German was his obvious successor.
The former Dortmund manager was heavily linked with the United job in the summer and even held talks with the hierarchy at the club, as per The Athletic. Surely if England were hot for Tuchel, they would have acted then.
Instead, they waited for Carsley to self-destruct, and therefore, this feels like a reactive decision. Tuchel is certainly the best manager available, but it feels like the FA were hoping for more of a Catalonian narrative.
Pep Guardiola was reportedly the FA’s preferred target, as per The Athletic. With his Manchester City contract up next summer, he would have been a popular, pipedream appointment.
It must be assumed that Pep decided the job was not for him, and thus the FA have swooped for Tuchel before United could steal in.
Hier kommt der Messias
Step forward Mr Tuchel – the most decorated England manager since Fabio Capello, and that turned out great, didn’t it? On the face of it, this is one hell of an appointment. The man has won a wealth of European club trophies, but can he implement his plan on an underperforming nation?
Of course, Tuchel cannot be compared to Capello. The former Chelsea boss managed in England and has a secure grasp of the English language. Furthermore, he knows the players, the fans and the press, but boy does the German love a media rant.
Tuchel will be judged on trophies, and he knows that. Progression to the latter knockout stages is now the bare minimum for the Three Lions, and if he fails to deliver, then his tenure will be deemed a failure.
Despite the reactive nature of the appointment, there could be a method to the madness. Another Safegate appointment would have been underwhelming, and in appointing the former Bayern boss, the FA have a man who has handled inflated egos and dressing rooms. Perhaps this is what England needs – a man to tame the Three Lions.
Unquestionably, the next 18 months are going to be a riveting ride. The calm and measured days of Southgate are gone, so buckle up for the Tuchel rollercoaster.
