Thomas Tuchel is one of the top football managers in the world, noted for his technical brilliance and club success.
When he led Chelsea to Champions League triumph in just a few months, he solidified his reputation as a winner.
But is being world-class in club football enough to achieve international success? England’s failures in international tournaments, despite having great lineups, aren’t always due to poor management.
Sometimes the slightest variables, such as a missed penalty or an injury gamble, determine who wins and who loses. Tuchel admitted that international football is frequently decided by razor-thin margins.
After Gareth Southgate’s tight losses in two finals and a semi-final, England’s FA thought it was time to bring in a manager with a winning mentality.
And Tuchel meets the bill. He has managed elite players such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Neymar, so he understands the strain of knockout games.
However, history has demonstrated that success at the club level does not always translate to international competition.
Fabio Capello, one of the world’s best coaches, struggled with England, while Gareth Southgate, who had less club success, rekindled the country’s belief.
The tempo of international football differs, with less time to practice strategies and develop players. Many prominent managers, including Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique, found the transition difficult.
Tuchel is set to discover the special requirements of international football.
He’s bright, imaginative, and capable of outwitting opponents, but winning the World Cup will take more than tactical prowess.
England’s chances depend on those critical moments when even the smallest detail can influence everything.
Will Tuchel be the one who leads England to their long-awaited victory? Only time will tell.