Postecoglou now says, Tuchel not being English could increase trophy chances
Ange Postecoglou has praised the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England’s new head coach, describing it as an exciting move. He believes Tuchel, a German, will face less pressure than an English manager in the role. L
Tuchel’s appointment, as the third foreign coach in England’s history, has sparked criticism from some corners, with the Football Association (FA) being questioned for not selecting a native manager. However, Postecoglou, who managed Australia from 2013 to 2017, offered a different perspective on the situation.
Postecoglou noted that the role of England national team manager carries an intense level of scrutiny, possibly more than any other position in the world of football.
He suggested that Tuchel’s nationality might be an advantage, as foreign coaches often face less pressure in such roles compared to their English counterparts.
According to Postecoglou, there’s a tendency for English managers to bear a greater burden of expectations because of their national ties, a factor that Tuchel will not have to deal with as intensely.
The former Australian coach explained that while there’s often a public demand for an English manager, history shows that English coaches don’t necessarily receive more support just because they are native. Postecoglou emphasized that managing one’s national team comes with added weight.
A manager born in the country is often expected to perform under the continuous gaze of the public and the media. Foreign managers, on the other hand, might have the luxury of returning to their home countries during tough times, escaping some of the day-to-day scrutiny faced by local coaches.
He expressed the belief that this dynamic is especially true for the England national team, where the expectations are sky-high, and the role is as much about managing off-field pressures as it is about tactics and performances.
Postecoglou said that this is something the FA likely took into account when making the decision to hire Tuchel. Foreign coaches may not face the same level of personal scrutiny that an English coach would endure.
Postecoglou wasn’t surprised by Tuchel’s appointment, noting that the FA likely wanted a manager who could replace Gareth Southgate and build on his accomplishments. Southgate, who led England to several deep tournament runs, including a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final, set a high bar for his successor.
According to Postecoglou, Tuchel is a perfect fit, given his outstanding record, especially in knockout competitions. The German coach is known for his tactical expertise and success in high-pressure situations, making him a strong candidate to lead England through its next phase.
While there are several talented English coaches available, Postecoglou acknowledged that national team jobs are often about timing. He reflected on his own experience with Australia, explaining that when he took over, it was the right time for both him and the team.
These roles require a perfect alignment of circumstances, which may not always be the case for every coach. For England, the timing worked in Tuchel’s favor, and Postecoglou believes the FA made a wise decision by bringing him in.
Postecoglou also touched on his own future, leaving the door open to a potential return to international football, though he ruled out managing Australia again. He stated that while he thoroughly enjoyed his time as an international coach, he missed the day-to-day involvement of club football, which remains his passion.
However, he didn’t completely rule out the idea of coaching another national team in the future. His strong connection to other countries he has worked in means he wouldn’t limit himself to managing Australia again, but he also acknowledged the unique responsibilities that come with managing a national team, including the immense pressure from a whole nation.
Ultimately, Postecoglou expressed his satisfaction with Tuchel’s appointment, calling it exciting for England. With Tuchel’s proven track record and the promising group of players currently emerging on the global stage, Postecoglou believes the German coach has the tools needed to succeed.
However, whether Tuchel can manage the pressures of the England job will be something only time can tell. Nonetheless, Postecoglou is confident that Tuchel is the right choice to lead England forward in their quest for international success.
Read Also: Amazing Spurs academy star was outscoring Kane & wanted by Barca, now he’s in USA 3rd tier
Read Also: Cruel injury blow for player after Tottenham exit – Success now halted by extended layoff