October 17th 2024.
Thomas Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry were officially introduced as the new faces of the England football team. It was a much-anticipated moment, with many curious to see what changes the new management would bring.
As I reflect back on my own life, I remember a time in my twenties when I went through a phase of choosing boyfriends who were the complete opposite of my previous partners. If one was a social butterfly who loved to party, I would then go for someone who was more introverted and had a passion for puzzles. It was almost as if I was searching for something new and exciting, a change from what I was used to. The Football Association seems to have adopted a similar approach in their recruitment style, with an eight-year tenure being considered a long time for any manager. It was only natural for Gareth Southgate's successor to be a reaction to his predecessor.
In Thomas Tuchel, England has a manager who brings a wealth of experience and success. As a Champions League winner, he has outsmarted some of the best coaches in the world, including Pep Guardiola, on the biggest stage. However, there are also concerns about his past struggles when managing upwards, as well as his nationality. It was disheartening to see some people questioning his ability solely based on his German roots. But amidst all the negativity, there were a few interesting points that emerged.
One of them was the shortage of English candidates for the position. The only exception being Emma Hayes, who has proven her worth in the women's game, winning trophies in both tournaments and leagues. However, her nationality ruled her out of the running for the job. It's a reminder of the limited pool of English coaches at the top level and the need to widen access to coaching licenses.
Another point that has been highlighted is the lack of a distinct playing style synonymous with English football. Unlike other nations, such as Spain, whose football heritage is evident in their national teams, England's identity seems to be a bit more complex. This could explain the diversity of names on the shortlist for the England senior men's coach, including Tuchel's.
The inclusion of English assistant coach Anthony Barry in the unveiling was a deliberate move to show that this is not a one-man show, but a team effort. However, it does not necessarily prove the presence of an 'English' football philosophy within the national set-up. Nationality does not define one's thought process, and it's important not to let historical events cloud our judgment.
Speaking of history, I was reminded of the emphasis placed on winning in English culture, stemming from the Second World War. It's a topic that has been ingrained in us since primary school, and while it's important to learn from our past, it shouldn't be the only thing that defines us. The FA's decision to go for the opposite of Southgate in Tuchel could be seen as a way to break free from this mentality and embrace change.
There's no doubt that Southgate brought a new sense of identity to the England men's team, with his words, actions, and relationship with his players. Tuchel, too, is an excellent orator, but can he speak to an English identity? It's a question that remains to be answered, but perhaps in a way, his nationality might help initiate important conversations about England's past and present.
In the world of football, stability is crucial, especially when trying to find a distinct playing style. However, with the cyclical approach to recruitment adopted by the Football Association, perhaps the English style today is to constantly ring the changes. As someone who went through a similar phase in my twenties, I can attest that it's not a sustainable approach. It's time for England to grow up and find a style that works for them. With Tuchel at the helm, perhaps they can finally achieve that.
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