Thomas Tuchel’s Alternative Journey with the Germany National Team
In a fascinating alternate reality, Thomas Tuchel could have been appointed as the manager of the Germany national football team, rather than the unexpected choice who is about to lead England in his inaugural match. Following the dismissal of Hansi Flick in September 2023, Tuchel emerged as a strong candidate on a four-man shortlist compiled by the German Football Association (DFB). This list also included renowned figures like Jurgen Klopp, then managing Liverpool, Ralf Rangnick, the coach of Austria, and Julian Nagelsmann, whom Tuchel had recently succeeded at Bayern Munich.
Ultimately, the position went to Nagelsmann, as the other candidates were settled in their respective roles. However, many found it peculiar that Nagelsmann had been let go by Bayern just six months prior, leading to speculation that Tuchel could have been in the running had circumstances played out differently.
The Bayern Munich Decision
By February, the Bayern board had concluded that Tuchel was not the right fit for them, which left him back on the job market during the summer, a place known for its long waits and lucrative rewards. Tuchel nearly joined Manchester United to replace Erik ten Hag, with discussions progressing significantly before stalling over salary and staff requirements. United decided to retain Ten Hag for a while longer, but when they ultimately opted to part ways with him in October, Tuchel’s name resurfaced as a potential candidate.
In August, the FA had initiated talks with Tuchel in Munich, but when Manchester United re-entered negotiations, the governing body—impressed by his vision of an intense 18-month campaign aimed at securing a World Cup victory—quickly moved to finalize a contract that October.
Mixed Reactions to Tuchel’s Appointment
Tuchel’s appointment received a mixed response; some fans expressed outrage at a foreign coach being given such a prestigious role, while others argued that entrusting a seasoned trophy winner with a proven ability to manage elite players and their egos was worth the gamble. The question looms large: can he achieve what has eluded 13 of his predecessors as England approaches the 60th anniversary of its last major tournament triumph?
Insights gleaned from various sources reveal Tuchel as a rulebreaker, a tactical mastermind, and a complex personality—a blend of calm motivator and fiery challenger—who has transitioned from a struggling cocktail waiter to one of the most coveted positions in English football.
A Tactical Genius
When Tuchel enrolled in the Fussball-Lehrer course at the German Sports University in Cologne, he presented himself as a reserved figure. This program, akin to UEFA’s A licence, attracted a diverse group of participants including former World Cup winners, aspiring coaches, and students. Tuchel, then managing youth teams at Augsburg, adopted a listening role, absorbing knowledge from his peers.
Erich Rutemoller, one of Tuchel’s instructors, recalls, “Thomas was more of a teacher type back then.” Typically, the loudest voices in the room are former professionals, yet Tuchel stood out due to his academic prowess. He excelled in theoretical subjects such as psychology and sports science, demonstrating impressive tactical skills during practical sessions.
“He was a remarkable tactician,” Rutemoller notes, dubbing him a Taktischer Fuchs or “tactical fox.” Interestingly, neither Rutemoller nor his colleagues could have foreseen that Tuchel would one day manage the England national team. “At that time, it was hard to imagine he would reach such heights,” he chuckles. Even back then, similarities to Klopp were evident, showcasing Tuchel’s determination to succeed despite not having played at the highest level.
From Waiter to Coach
Tuchel’s past as a quiet, insecure young man, who once roamed Stuttgart’s vibrant bars searching for work to fund his business studies, is a stark contrast to his current confidence. After numerous rejections, he eventually secured a job at the Radio Bar, entering a new world where he had to learn social skills, as football had always been his realm until a knee injury sidelined his playing career.
Initially, he was hesitant to reveal his football background, fearing judgment as a failed player. For months, he worked tirelessly, collecting glasses and cleaning up after shifts until he eventually earned the chance to work behind the bar. By the time he left, he had transformed into a confident server, expertly navigating busy tables with trays held high.
The Rulebreaker
Tuchel’s first professional game as manager of Mainz in 2009 came with just four days of preparation, and he faced a squad of seasoned Bundesliga players. To their surprise, he loaded them onto a bus and took them to a hotel 60 miles away, where he introduced them to his unique approach to team bonding.
In the hotel dining room, while they enjoyed coffee and cake, he outlined his rules, the first being a mandatory communal meal. He observed that players would often rush their meals and leave, so he insisted they spend at least 20 minutes together. As trust developed, this time evolved into longer shared meals.
Another rule was that players and staff must greet each other with a handshake, establishing a culture of respect and readiness. Ironically, through these principles, Tuchel earned a reputation as a rulebreaker—a theme he later explored in a TED-style talk that gained traction on YouTube.
He drew inspiration from sports scientist Wolfgang Schollhorn, implementing innovative training techniques such as having defenders hold tennis balls. He creatively altered training pitch dimensions to encourage players to think differently about passing. Rather than traditional 11-a-side games, he favored smaller-sided drills to foster natural game flow.
Innovative Tactics and Legacy
Upon assessing his Mainz squad, Tuchel recognized their physical and technical deficiencies compared to other teams. His ingenious strategy involved mirroring opponents’ formations during defense, creating confusion. He frequently altered starting lineups, leading to unpredictable team dynamics.
Although initially concerned about his team’s identity, Tuchel ultimately left Mainz with a superior points record compared to Klopp. He engaged in tactical discussions with Pep Guardiola, embraced statistical models, and sought insights from various experts to enhance his coaching methods.
As he prepares for his role with the England national team, Tuchel understands that success at the elite level hinges on empowering players to express themselves while providing the necessary support. “We are the service providers; we facilitate their success,” he emphasizes in his talks. In the end, regardless of his identity—be it a tactical fox, a rulebreaker, or a former waiter—what truly matters is whether Tuchel can lead England to World Cup glory.
