The Football Association (FA) has revealed that they conducted interviews with 10 candidates for the position of England’s national football manager.
This decision comes as they announced Thomas Tuchel as the new head coach, a move that has sparked conversations across the football community.
Thomas Tuchel Takes the Helm
On Wednesday morning, the FA officially appointed Tuchel as the new boss of the Three Lions.
He participated in a press conference that afternoon, where he expressed his excitement about the opportunity.
Tuchel, a German national, becomes the third foreign manager in history to lead the men’s team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
His contract will see him earn £6 million annually, with his official start date set for January.
The Hiring Process Explained
During the press conference at Wembley, Tuchel sat alongside FA chief Mark Bullingham, who provided insights into the hiring process.
Bullingham emphasized that the entire selection process was conducted with strict confidentiality.
While he didn’t disclose many specifics, he did confirm that they interviewed around 10 candidates, including some from England.
“The whole process was confidential,” Bullingham explained. “I understand that at times that might have been frustrating for people.
But we will maintain that confidentiality, both for us and more importantly for the candidates.
I can say a few things, but I will hold it at that. We interviewed approximately 10 people, including some English candidates.”
Speculations About English Candidates
Among the names floated as potential candidates were English coaches like Eddie Howe and Graham Potter.
However, according to former player Alan Shearer, Howe was not approached at all for the role.
“I really hope they have spoken to English managers. I am told that they didn’t speak to Eddie Howe or sound him out at all,” Shearer stated on the latest episode of The Rest is Football.
He expressed surprise at this decision, considering Howe’s qualifications.
It’s also likely that interim boss Lee Carsley, who will manage the team for two matches in November before Tuchel officially takes over, was involved in the discussions.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s name came up in the rumor mill, but it’s unclear if he was ever formally approached.
Tuchel Addresses Concerns
During his first press conference, Tuchel addressed the fact that he holds a German passport, which raised some eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
“I’m sorry, I just have a German passport. I love to live here. Hopefully, I can convince them and give everything to this role,” he said.
Pundits Weigh In
The decision to hire a non-English manager has sparked discussions about the FA’s commitment to promoting homegrown talent.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville voiced his concerns, saying, “I’m not sure it fits the criteria of St. George’s Park and the belief in English coaches and the growth in the English teams’ performance in the last seven or eight years.”
He pointed out the significant strides made by both the men’s and women’s teams, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local coaching talent.
Neville expressed disappointment that the FA opted for an international manager, noting the challenges English coaches face in securing top positions in both the Premier League and on the national stage.
Looking Ahead
As Tuchel prepares to take the reins, the football community watches closely to see how his appointment will impact the England team moving forward.
With high expectations and a wealth of experience, the question remains: can he elevate the Three Lions to new heights?
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