England national team‘s Thomas Tuchel (right) and assistant Anthony Barry (Photo: Getty Images)
In my 20s, there was a time when I chose my boyfriend differently than before.
If a man is a fun-loving, party-loving extrovert, he will be replaced by a quiet loner obsessed with puzzles. The man responsible for the travel of all social gatherings was followed by a man who could barely organize his house when he left.
The FA appears to support a similar approach in their recruitment style. It might be understandable because 8 years is a long time for anyone. Gareth Southgate’s successor will be a reaction to what came before.
Thomas Tuchel Is Champions League The winner, the man who outsmarted him tactically. Pep Guardiola Someone who fails quite often when managing, on the biggest stages. And – as we learned this week – Germans.
Although I was disappointed to realize that some of the scenes from Wednesday Afterward were not satirical, a few points of interest emerged. The first is that there is no concentration of English candidates for top positions.
Among players currently in their prime, only Emma Hayes has regularly won trophies in tournaments and leagues. Given that she is worse than the German, Hayes is not an option in 2024.
Emma Hayes had success in the women’s game, but it didn’t land her a job. (Photo: PA)
We accurately compared domestic and international UEFA license costs. In Spain, for example, there are about 10 times as many coaches with equivalent qualifications. Yes, it’s easy to pay for any retired top-level footballer, but it’s true that widening access also widens the avenues for talent.
And there is a clear point that reactionary appointments reveal. There is no English style of play that suits the new coach. Just look at the Spanish national football teams (men’s and women’s) to learn about their football traditions. This is not the case in the UK. This further complicates the choice of direction and explains the range of names on the shortlist for England senior men’s coach.
Considering she was worse than the Germans, Emma Hayes wasn’t an option.
The prominent presence of England assistant coach Anthony Barry at public events was intended to show that this was not some unstable operation run by the German parliament. However, the inclusion of all-round great Britons does not prove the existence of an ‘English’ football thread in the national system.
Funny enough, I’m about to shock you. Someone’s nationality does not prove their thought process. The ‘Germany’ project is important. The world wars of 80 years ago still haunt the British mind.
It’s the historical period I’ve learned the most about since elementary school (along with the Tudors for some reason). Our history and the history of war is important, even essential. But the reason it remains so radical in the British consciousness is its emphasis on victory. This supports our perception of it as a successful nation despite much contemporary evidence to the contrary.
The FA have gone in the exact opposite direction with Gareth Southgate. (Photo = Reuters)
The discourse surrounding Tuchel suggests that England’s mentality, as broadly as it can be characterized, belongs to an immature nation. That means they’re desperate for praise, looking for new things to brag about, and struggling with their place in the world. Meanwhile, we have not been able to reconcile our damaged relationships with our neighbors and, in many ways, the arrogant interactions of our past.
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Southgate created a new identity through the England men’s national team. He sought ways to tap into the folklore and failures of our time through symbolism in his words, actions, and relationships with his players. Tuchel is also an impressive orator. But can he talk about British identity?
Well, considering that this promise reacts to a previous promise, he probably won’t or can’t take on that task. If he can lead these players to silverware, no one will complain. But perhaps through a German national taking a responsible approach to his own history, he can help us have the conversation we need about this obsession.
In domestic competition, you need stability while finding your style. The Rugby Football Union takes the same cyclical approach to recruitment as the FA, so perhaps the British style these days is to regularly announce changes. Even I gave it up when I turned 30. It’s time to grow up, England.
more : So what if England’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, is German?
more : Thomas Tuchel tactics, style of play and possible England formations
more : Thomas Tuchel has made a promise to England fans as the FA explains his appointment.
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