Pep Guardiola breaks silence on England’s managerial choice, Thomas Tuchel

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his take on the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the new coach of the England National team.

Tuchel was announced as Gareth Southgate’s replacement some days ago but the decision wasn’t entirely met with widespread support. Notable names like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have been critical of the FA’s decision to hire a foreign coach.

However, Guardiola who was also linked with the job has come out to stand behind Tuchel. In an interview with Sky Sports, the Manchester City boss urged England supporters to get behind the German as he bids to lead the Three Lions to World Cup glory in 2026.

Thomas Tuchel manager of England (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

The two head coaches know each other well from their battles in Germany and England, with Tuchel getting one over Guardiola in the 2021 Champions League final.

“Thomas is the manager – come on! The federation decide – full support from English people, come on. To have to make the last step they need to win a trophy,” Guardiola said. “Gareth Southgate – he was so close. The standards for Gareth [were] magnificent. And the federation want [to make] that step and decide from that.”

The City boss was also quizzed on his own future as he approaches the final months of his contract at Etihad Stadium. “I’m happy here [at Manchester City],” he said.

“I want to win tomorrow, I want to live day by day. I don’t think about what happens in February, in March, in April. It’s far, far away. I want to enjoy today in the training session and the day after tomorrow the game.”

Tuchel will begin his reign as England’s manager on January 1 while he is expected to make his debut on the dugout in March, although it’s not yet known who England will face.