Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has voiced his disappointment over the FA’s decision to appoint Thomas Tuchel as the new England coach. Tuchel, the ex-Chelsea manager known for his successful tenures at clubs like PSG and Bayern Munich, is set to be officially introduced at Wembley on Wednesday after expedited discussions.
Redknapp’s concerns highlight a sentiment among some that England should prioritize homegrown managerial talent. Tuchel will become the third non-British coach to lead the national team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. While Tuchel’s credentials include winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, Redknapp’s critique suggests a belief that the England job should be reserved for British coaches who understand the nuances of English football.
Harry Redknapp has expressed skepticism about Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England’s new manager, questioning the rationale behind hiring someone from abroad. Speaking to Sky Sports, he pointed out that Tuchel’s track record isn’t particularly stellar, noting that he has had mixed success at various clubs.
“I’m very patriotic; I think we should have an English manager,” Redknapp stated, acknowledging the limited pool of domestic candidates available. He lamented the trend of foreign managers dominating the Premier League, suggesting that English coaches rarely get the opportunities they deserve.
Redknapp emphasized the distinction between club management and international coaching, highlighting that this role will be a new challenge for Tuchel. He raised concerns about whether Tuchel can adapt to the unique demands of managing a national team, which often requires different skills compared to running a club.
Redknapp further contrasted Tuchel’s situation with that of Jurgen Klopp, who achieved significant success with Liverpool over many years. He stressed the importance of common sense in selecting the right players and positioning them effectively, emphasizing the need for a manager to instill confidence in the squad.
He pointed out the challenges national team managers face, noting the limited time available to train players. “You don’t really get a chance to work with them,” he said, highlighting that the coaching period is often minimal. Redknapp referenced Lee Carsley, who mentioned having only about 20 minutes to develop a system, underscoring the difficulties in implementing tactical plans with such little preparation time.