Thomas Tuchel
The criticism of him is getting louder and louder
10.06.2025 – 3:21 p.m.Reading time: 3 min.
With England against Andorra, number 173 in the world, Thomas Tuchel just barely missed a humiliation. The criticism of the German trainer becomes louder.
The fans in Barcelona whistle, the media are getting restless – and Thomas Tuchel also does not save with criticism of the sleeping English football stars. “We played with the fire,” said the German coach after the disappointing 1-0 (0-0) of his Vice European champions against the outsider Andorra, number 173 of the FIFA world rankings.
Tuchel deeply dismissed how pomadig and painstakingly engaged to victory thanks to a goal by Bayern striker Harry Kane (50th). He missed “the seriousness and urgency that is needed in a World Cup qualification game”. He has to talk to his players about this. He was only satisfied with the setting “in the first 25 minutes”. His conclusion: “We have to do that better on Tuesday.”
Tuchel’s clear criticism had triggered plenty of conversation on the island. The former Bayern coach also stayed with his opinion with two nights. “Why should I talk a little beautiful?” Asked the national coach on Monday and assured that he did not want to put anyone in public. “I don’t name any names. As a team, we have not fulfilled our standards.” The criticism within the team was expressed immediately after the game. “I think a football team can speak honestly. I always join in there.”
Thomas Tuchel has been an English national coach since January. With his name, hope was broad in England, but it has not yet been fulfilled. His start was anything but harmonious. Before his first game against Albania, he started his predecessor Gareth Southgate.
In an interview with the British TV broadcaster “ITV”, Tuchel was asked whether the English team had a clear style of play at the 2024 EM 2024. The 51-year-old replied clearly: “No, not last summer.” When the reporter replenished what was missing, Tuchel listed several weaknesses: “The identity, clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of play patterns, the freedom of players, the broadcast of the players, hunger.” His conclusion was: “In my eyes, they were more afraid to leave the tournament than to win the enthusiasm and hunger.”
The critical words caused a sensation on the island. The “Daily Mail” spoke of a “devastating assessment”, while the “Mirror” said that Tuchel had “subtly” criticized his predecessor Gareth Southgate and showed his error. The “Telegraph” even interpreted Tuchel’s statements as “disassembly” by Southgates England.
Germany’s record international Lothar Matthäus also criticized Tuchel at the time: “That doesn’t belong. A trainer usually gets the red card.” The 64-year-old advised Tuchel to deal less with the work of his predecessor and instead concentrate on his own tasks. Matthäus asked: “He should also look for the mistakes with himself and show himself so that he stands over things. He should show that his path is better than that of his predecessor.”
After three games under Thomas Tuchel with nine points, England is clear leader of the European Group K. However, despite the maximum points outdoors, it was so far victory in which England occurred not very convincingly. The qualification for the World Cup in the coming year should not be in danger, but the goal is to inspire the English fans with better football.