Pep Guardiola’s 15-words response to English FA after he was contacted for England job
The FA are reportedly in talks with Thomas Tuchel over the vacant England manager job and it’s understood the former Chelsea boss is now favourite to land it
Pep Guardiola (R) is a big fan of Thomas Tuchel (L)
Thomas Tuchel has reportedly emerged as the new frontrunner for the England job, and judging by Pep Guardiola’s comments it’s little wonder.
According to Sky Sports, the FA have held talks with the former Chelsea boss and consider him their number one target, despite ongoing links to Guardiola himself. Tuchel, who has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, has made no secret of his desire to work in England again and is reportedly very open to taking the reins at St George’s Park.
The German, 51, enjoyed a stellar 19-month stint at Stamford Bridge, which began with him guiding the club to Champions League glory at the end of the 2020/21 season. The triumph was particularly impressive given his side beat Premier League champions Manchester City in the final in Porto.
In fact, Chelsea beat them twice in the space of a month in the run-up to the showpiece, something which clearly left a lasting impression on City boss Guardiola. Speaking in 2022, the Spaniard waxed lyrical about Tuchel, insisting he’d become “a better manager” by studying his methods.
“He’s so creative,” Guardiola, 53, beamed. “[He is] one of the few managers I learn constantly from to develop as a better manager.
“[He is] excellent in all departments. I enjoyed him since he was in Mainz. I enjoy watching his teams and the way he’s playing and the approach. He makes world football better. When you find a manager who always wants to be positive in the way they play, it’s good.”
Ahead of the 2021 Champions League final, Guardiola explained why Tuchel’s Blues were so formidable. “Why Chelsea play so good? Because they have three central defenders close, the two holding midfielders who move in relation are close, the pockets are close, the striker and the two [others in attack] are so, so close. The distances are so close, and at the same time they are so wide with the wing backs, they are so good with the ball in behind.
Thomas Tuchel kissing the Champions League tropht
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea beat Pep Guardiola’s Man City to lift the Champions League in 2021
“That’s why you cannot be close because they push you [out wide] and they have a lot of good players in the middle. That’s why it’s difficult to face teams who want the ball and want to play with the ball. We’ve tried to do it since day one.”
The FA aren’t the only ones looking snap Tuchel up. Manchester United, who are expected to part ways with Erik ten Hag if their dismal early-season form fails to improve, were in talks with him over the summer and are expected to re-open negotiations if Ten Hag is indeed axed.
Should they be beaten to the punch, the FA could turn their attention back to Guardiola who, according to reports, was the their first choice to replace to Gareth Southgate following Euro 2024.
Tuchel and Guardiola
Pep Guardiola says he’s learned a lot from Thomas Tuchel
Guardiola’s City contract expires at the end of the season, and the former Barcelona boss is currently mulling over his future. Talks over an extension are currently shelved, however, City chiefs are keen for him to make a decision so they can start planning for the 2025/26 campaign.
It’s understood that the FA made an enquiry into Guardiola’s availability after Southgate resigned, but no further progress has been made since. Elsewhere, the likes of Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are reportedly being considered.
FA technical director, John McDermott, is known to want a coach with a proven track record of winning trophies, hence Tuchel and Guardiola being high on the organisation’s wish-list.
Former Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes impressed on his return to the England starting line-up amid uncertainty surrounding his future
Harry Kane, Angel Gomes and Jack Grealish celebrate after an England goal during the Nations League game with Finland
Jack Grealish has sent a message to Angel Gomes
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has made his feelings clear on former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes after the duo linked up during England’s win over Finland on Sunday.
Gomes’ brilliant through ball to Grealish cut open the home side’s defence in the first half as the City man scored the opener in a 3-1 victory. The assist capped what was an excellent performance for the 24-year-old, who was recalled to the starting line-up following the surprise 2-1 loss to Greece last Thursday.
At half-time, United icon Roy Keane hailed the pass as ‘pure quality’ while Grealish praised the midfielder in his post-match interview. The 29-year-old did not stop there, though, and took to Instagram post-match to lavish Gomes with further plaudits.
The midfielder shared an image to the social media site captioned: “Always a pleasure,” in the aftermath of the win to which Grealish responded: “What a player, thank you,” in reference to the assist. Gomes is the name on the lips of most United fans at present as his form for England catches the eye.
Gomes’ deal at Lille is due to expire at the end of the season and reports suggest that the midfielder is looking for a new challenge. Previously, the 24-year-old Carrington product has spoken openly about keeping the door open to a United return describing the club and the Premier League as ‘home’.
Considering United’s current issues in the centre of midfield, there is every possibility that Gomes could be on their radar – especially as a free agent. Should the Ligue 1 player not commit to a new deal, the Reds would be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement in January thanks to the Bosman ruling.
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