Harry Redknapp has lamented England’s apparent inability to choose an English manager to lead the national side in the wake of news that Thomas Tuchel is set to takeover from Gareth Southgate.
The former Chelsea manager was said to be in advanced talks this week over the role, which has been filled by Under-21s manager Lee Carsley on an interim basis since the summer.
On Tuesday evening, the FA and the German head coach agreed a deal which will see Tuchel step into the role in January 2025 on an initial 18-month contract.
But news of Tuchel’s looming appointment has been greeted with mixed responses.
While some Three Lions fans have lauded the arrival of a manager with a history of winning major trophies, others have been more wary of the appointment.
Thomas Tuchel has agreed a deal with the FA to take over from interim boss Lee Carsley
The temporary England head coach will in all likelihood return to the youth side after missing out on the top job
Harry Redknapp stressed the importance of England having an English manager to lead their national team
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And the former Tottenham manager was quick to voice his disappointment that the FA had sought out a candidate who will become the country’s third foreign-born manager, rather than rely on homegrown talent.
‘It’s not like he’s been a massive success,’ Redknapp said of Tuchel on Sky Sports. ‘He’s come and gone at a couple of clubs.
‘I’m very patriotic, I think we should have an English manager but obviously the field was very small to choose from.
‘Englishmen don’t get many chances to manage in the Premier League now. It’s all foreign owners and it’s always got to be a foreign manager. We’ve only got two or three managers in the Premier League who are English.
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‘The FA, with all the money they spend on coaching courses (…) it’s sad.’
Redknapp also noted the difference between international and domestic management, and why a heavily decorated manager like Tuchel still might not represent the right choice.
It’s not like Jurgen Klopp who went to Liverpool and was a great success and stayed for many years,’ Redknapp continued.
‘You need to have a little bit of common sense, pick the right players, pick the right positions, make them feel great about themselves, make them feel great about playing for the best country in the world. That’s what it is.
Carsley will continue in the England dugout for upcoming matches versus Greece and Ireland
‘How long do you get to work with them? You don’t really get a chance to work with them – it’s not like you’re coaching them.
‘Lee Carsley said he had about 20 minutes to work on a system – that’s about what you get to work on a bit of shape, patterns of play.’
Carsley – who previously stated that he believed the ideal candidate had a background winning major trophies – will continue in the interim role for the remainder of the year.
The head coach will oversee the remaining Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November, before Tuchel takes the reins for upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the new year.
