Thomas Tuchel jokingly apologised to England fans for being German in his first press conference since landing the job.
It emerged late on Tuesday that the Three Lions had agreed a deal with the 51-year-old to take over from Lee Carsley, who is leading the team on an interim basis following the departure of Gareth Southgate back in the summer.
Tuchel comes in with a big CV, having won trophies with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich throughout his managerial career.
However, not everybody is impressed with his appointment.
Thomas Tuchel jokingly apologised to England fans for being German in his first press conference since landing the job
GBNEWS
Harry Redknapp have been among those to criticise the FA for going with a foreign manager – rather than an English one.
Though the likes of Eddie Howe and Graham Potter were considered, the Three Lions went with Tuchel due to his proven track record of success.
Now, speaking at Wembley, Tuchel has apologised to fans for his nationality – and joked that while he had a German passport, he was now very much a lion.
“I’m sorry, I just have a German passport,” he said.
“I love to live here. Hopefully I can convince them, and give everything to this role.”
Tuchel knows this will be a big job.
England did well during Gareth Southgate’s time in charge, making finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 – while also making the semi-finals and quarter-finals of World Cups in 2018 and 2022 as well.
Tuchel is up for the challenge, however, with the 51-year-old eager to deliver a trophy for fans to celebrate.
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“It’s pretty obvious I am very emotional and I love what I am doing, I’m passionate about football,” he added.
“This task and this role, it brought the young me alive.
“I’m excited for the big task of the Three Lions and playing at Wembley.
“We will do it with passion and emotion. We have to go through the qualification process to the World Cup and it starts for us in January.”
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Tuchel has also vowed to finish what Southgate started – and opened up on what he was told by the FA during the interview process.
“Gareth Southgate and the FA did a fantastic job,” continued the former Chelsea boss.
“Look at the results of the tournaments. The youth teams win titles and the women’s team.
“We are there. The federation is there. We will build on what Gareth built and add a little extra to get it over the line.
Thomas Tuchel has vowed to finish what Gareth Southgate started after the German was confirmed as the new England manager
PA
“They [the FA] made it clear it’s about football and that got me excited.
“I wasn’t sure this was the job for me because the schedule is very different. I always wanted to come back to England, that was my big goal.
“The offer came at the right time and we found a vision to share. Now I have to live up to it. I know there are some trophies and I want to help that happen.”