Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for ‘flippant’ comment in first England press conference
THOMAS TUCHEL’s first press conference as England manager saw an awkward moment that led to a reporter apologising to the German.
Tuchel offered some passionate first words in which he said his aim was to win the 2026 World Cup, to which the reporter met with a flippant sounding “good luck”.
Thomas Tuchel has sat down for his first press conference as England manager
AFPFA CEO Mark Bullingham spoke before Tuchel to introduce the former Chelsea boss[/caption]
The German coach has become England’s third foreign manager
Tuchel ended his first answer with: “It suited my passion and my strive to push this group of players and be part of this federation with such a strong record in recent tournaments, to push it over the line and put a second star on the shirt.”
The reporter replied: “Good luck”, before turning to move on to speak to new England assistant coach Anthony Barry.
The quip caused a moment of awkwardness before the journalist, Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, read the room and speedily apologised, saying: “Sorry I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. It was a little bit flippant that. I beg your pardon.”
The accidental moment caused a ripple of laughter in the room at Wembley.
Before that, Tuchel began: “I understood very quickly it’s a big job. I think it’s always the job you’re in which is the biggest job.
“It doesn’t make much sense to compare, but it feels big and a privilege.
“It’s very new because I come from club football, so the rhythm and responsibility, the role is a new role which is very exciting.
“I was very open for that, and liked the idea of it. Once Mark Bullingham and John McDermott made clear this job is about football, we never lost the momentum and once I made a timeframe in my mind from January to the World Cup, I felt excited already.”
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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
CEO of the FA Bullingham confirmed during the presser they interviewed 10 individuals for the role.
Tuchel also honoured the legacy left behind by Gareth Southgate.
He said: “Southgate and the FA did a fantastic job. Look at the results of the tournaments.
“The youth teams win titles and the women’s team. We are there. The federation is there. We will build on what Gareth built and add a little extra to get it over the line.”
It was also revealed English candidates were among those considered.
But Bullingham refused to confirm whether or not interim boss Lee Carsley was examined for the full-time position.
Tuchel also revealed that he was instrumental in bringing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich and is looking forward to being reunited with the striker before failing to confirm that he’d remain as captain.
Another topic Tuchel 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.
Tuchel will officially take charge of England from January after signing a 18-month contract on October 8.
He is set to earn £5m-a-year as the nation’s chief.
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.
