The questions left lingering by Thomas Tuchel's appointment | |
| If it wasn't completely out of nowhere, Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England manager was still one of those that is unusual in the modern game in that was kept under wraps. Many people noted how the Football Association made such a point of including the fact that the German signed the contract on 8 October. That left seven days where even Lee Carsley was left to answer questions on his future when he probably had a fair idea. Looking back on his comments from that period now, there are two moments where it could almost be perceived that he accidentally told everyone. That was when he said he'd "hopefully" be going back to the Under-21s and then about how the job needed a "world-class" coach with trophies. He was - maybe unintentionally - describing his own prospects and Tuchel. People had started to get wind of the FA's interest in the German by the weekend, but everyone involved who would speak was flatly denying it. Some around Manchester United even put the news in the context of their interest, and the widespread belief was that was an attempt to get the Old Trafford hierarchy moving. The timing of the contract signing is conspicuous in that it was shortly after it became clear that United wouldn't be moving on from Erik ten Hag in this international break. Now, we could have a situation where three would-be United managers - Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Julian Nagelsmann - might be at the World Cup rather than Old Trafford. As to the debate about the Tuchel decision, you can read a deep dive on English football's wider problem here and an excellent piece from Jim White here. |
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| Facts that should still unsettle the Football Association |
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| For all the debate about an English manager, there would have been one awkward irony had the FA indeed given the job to Eddie Howe as many anticipated. He isn't strictly a product of the English system. He did his coaching badges under the Irish Football Association in Northern Ireland. Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, did his in Wales with many other big names. Such facts have led to a theme of the week being criticism of how much it costs to do the coaching licences in England. That is an issue, but isn't necessarily the problem as regards to producing coaches here. The reason that coaches go elsewhere is the opposite. There are huge waiting lists for the FA courses, and they're harder to get into. It is still incredible that a football country of England's size produces so few managers. You have to go back to 2008-09, 15 years ago, for the last time even half the Premier League managers were English. As to why this is, and the wider culture, there's a bigger piece here. |
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| City controversy eases, but concerns persist |
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| Many figures within the Premier League were utterly relieved at the Tuchel news, since they already couldn't wait for games to return this weekend. That was because it finally moved the focus off the Manchester City Associated Party Transaction case. Thursday's meeting was expected to be tense, which is maybe one other good reason why it was postponed. The games will also help calm down moods. The postponement nevertheless saw an increasing number of people express concern that the need to amend the APT rules was indeed much more complicated than the Premier League had initially made out. The Premier League themselves are insisting that delay isn't an issue since it is just about getting details right and might only be a delay of "days". They may have more issues than that, though. The current feeling is that more than six clubs are wary about voting through new rules now. That isn't necessarily because they agree with City. It's more out of concern what it means for them. If so, it could cause chaos. |
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| A right-back triangle for Liverpool, Madrid and Chelsea |
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| There is still a significant gap between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool over wages for a new contract, but some potential new hope due to the uncertainty of the situation. Real Madrid have a long-standing interest in the right-back, as has been written about here, but they have recently been weighing up options. While Dani Carvajal's injury was initially considered to make a move for Alexander-Arnold more likely, Madrid have since been thinking about whether to go for a replacement in January. If so, the preference would be for a young player who can also play across the back line. Chelsea's Josh Acheampong would fit that, and Madrid did watch him again in England's under-20 game against Czech Republic. So, interestingly, did Liverpool themselves. He might even represent a ready-made option if Alexander-Arnold does go. Chelsea are insistent he's not for sale. |
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| For all the debate about Thomas Tuchel's appointment in the media, many journalists will be pleased to cover him. That's because he's hugely charismatic, and enjoyable to report on. A Tuchel press conference is an event in itself, especially when's in the mood. He's intelligent, expressive and hard not to look. It could be particularly enjoyable when he would go off the record, and the filters would be off. Then again, it's not like there are many filters when he's on the record! | |
| "It suited my passion to push this group of players and to be part of this federation which has such a strong record in recent tournaments and push it over the line and to try and put a second star on the shirt." | Thomas Tuchel announces his target on taking the England job, a line which visibly caused Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham to puff out his chest | |
| In the last decade, so since the start of 2014-15, only eight full-time English managers have finished in the top half of the Premier League. Name the eight. If you want to go further, name their clubs and the seasons too. One has done it with two different clubs. Interims or caretakers don't count. | |
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