As of New Year’s Day, Thomas Tuchel officially took over as the new coach of the England national football team. With the Premier League not taking a winter break, he is keen to get noticed.
This should have left a lasting first impression in the birthplace of football, especially after the criticism Tuchel received even before officially starting his role. The 50-year-old attended two Premier League matches on the same day as part of his new role. His stadium tour continued as he took in the action.
During Tottenham’s 1-2 home defeat against Newcastle, Tuchel was seen in the stands of the London stadium. Later in the evening he was present at Falmer Stadium, around 135 kilometers away, where Brighton & Hove Albion drew 1-1 with Arsenal under German Fabian Hürzeler.
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With temperatures hovering around two degrees Celsius, uncommon for the south of England even in winter, Tuchel dressed in a thick winter coat and baseball cap as he sat in the stands alongside his assistant Anthony Barry. Just before the final whistle, the two left their seats. From the bustling metropolis of London, the duo headed to what is somewhat ironically called “London by the sea”, Brighton. Once considered a slightly run-down seaside resort, famous for its piers and amusement arcades, Brighton now shines as a young and trendy destination, including football.
But back to Tuchel, who also visited championship leaders Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. The initial outcry over hiring a foreigner to rule England, particularly a German, has subsided. Tuchel’s reputation gained during his time in the Premier League has undoubtedly supported his new role. If a few die-hard football patriots on the island were to think honestly, they would come to two lucid conclusions.
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Firstly, Gareth Southgate, Tuchel’s predecessor who is to be knighted, led England close to major titles on two occasions. However, this was done with outdated British virtues and considerable caution. Secondly, there has never been a real strong candidate for the national coaching job from England itself. Small note: among the 20 current coaches in the Premier League, only two are English.
“Stay healthy, stay safe, and we will see you at the stadium in the new year,” Tuchel told England fans via video over Christmas. Now they know that the German takes this promise seriously. However, he understands perfectly that after two lost European Championship finals, the only thing that matters to him, a field enthusiast, is the World Cup title in 2026.
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