Tuchel apologises for German passport and opens up on singing England anthem as FA reveal they interviewed 10 candidates
THOMAS TUCHEL apologised for having a German passport as it emerged he was one of TEN candidates interviewed for the England job.
The former Chelsea coach, 51, was announced as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor on Wednesday morning.
He will officially take charge at the beginning of next year – with his £5million-a-year contract running until the 2026 World Cup.
But he has already faced the media for the first time as he gets ready to assume the position in 2025.
And he was asked about was being the country’s third foreign manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
To which he replied: “I am sorry I have a German passport!
“But I can tell the supporters I have felt my passion for the Premier League and my passion for the country and how I love to live here and work here.
“Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them I am proud to be the English manager.”
CEO Mark Bullingham confirmed during the presser they interviewed 10 individuals for the role.
It was also revealed English candidates were among those considered.
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ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love life
By Andy Dillon
THOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.
Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.
English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.
Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.
Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.
Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.
Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.
An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.
Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job
However, Bullingham refused to confirm whether or not interim boss Lee Carsley was considered for the full-time position.
The FA chief said: “We interviewed approximately 10 people and we did interview some English candidates within that.
Who has Tuchel coached?
Here is a list of the England stars that have already worked with Thomas Tuchel...
- Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
- Eric Dier – Bayern Munich
- Mason Mount – Chelsea
- Reece James – Chelsea
- Ben Chilwell – Chelsea
- Callum Hudson-Odoi – Chelsea
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek – Chelsea
- Raheem Sterling – Chelsea
- Ross Barkley – Chelsea
- Tammy Abraham – Chelsea
- Conor Gallagher – Chelsea
“As to anything further you wouldn’t expect me to divulge any details, really.”
Tuchel also revealed he is yet to make a decision on whether or not he will sing the national anthem.
Interim boss Carsley decided against singing it as a former Ireland international.
Tuchel said: “I understood from Mark it is a personal decision if you sing it. Some managers did it and others did not.
“I have not made my decision. Your anthem is very moving, I experienced it several times at Wembley and in cup finals.
“Whatever decision I make, I will always show my respect to my new role, the country and a moving anthem.
“As it is a new subject, I will take a little bit of time.”
Tuchel gave an awkward reaction when asked about choosing the England job over Manchester United – who have been linked with him amid uncertainty over Erik ten Hag.
The new England boss also received an apology from a reporter after a flippant “good luck” remark.
Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointment
WITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.
That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.
The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.
RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.
Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.
The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.
Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.