Thomas Tuchel has made it clear he intends to avoid political involvement in his role as England’s new head coach, marking a significant departure from Sir Gareth Southgate’s approach.
The 51-year-old German specifically requested to be titled “head coach” rather than “manager” in his 18-month contract, signalling his desire to focus solely on football matters.
“I think we have the best chance when you allow the head coach to focus on football,” Tuchel said ahead of his first match in charge against Albania.
This stance contrasts with Southgate, who often found himself acting as a spokesman for various political and cultural issues during his eight-year tenure.
Thomas Tuchel has insisted he will stick to football
Reuters
Tuchel emphasised his intention to distance himself from non-football matters, suggesting his nationality provides a convenient shield.
“Maybe I can hide a little bit behind being not English and not talk to everything that happens in your country out of respect and focus a little bit more on football,” he explained.
When asked how he would have handled the OneLove armband controversy at the 2022 World Cup, Tuchel was forthright.
“At some point it must be allowed for a football team that is sent to a World Cup to be a football team and not be a political statement,” he said.
He believes such issues should be addressed by federation officials rather than players or coaches.
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Thomas Tuchel wants to stay away from political issues
Reuters
“He knew that if he did not reasonably back them, he could not do the job,” one analysis noted.
The former England manager also addressed topics far beyond football, seeing himself as both a figurehead and ambassador.
Despite this approach, Southgate remained politically agnostic and patriotic, never revealing his views on matters like Brexit or general elections.
The Football Association plans to have chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott make more public statements, potentially shielding Tuchel from political discourse.
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Gareth Southgate often waded into political issues during his time in charge
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Tuchel himself navigated political waters admirably when Chelsea faced government sanctions in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Political challenges await him, from questions about Germany’s current political climate to FIFA’s relationships with controversial regimes.
The 2026 World Cup in the politically charged United States may prove particularly testing.
Eventually, like his predecessors, Tuchel may find himself taking a stance when his players are affected.
