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When it comes to Thomas Tuchel, the little things really matter. Obsessive? Maybe. Meticulous? For sure! The new England head coach has made a name for himself with a super detailed approach to football, where nothing is left to chance.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who played for him at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, gives us a peek into Tuchel’s ways. “In training, he checks if you control the ball with the right foot,” he shares.
And that’s just the start! At Chelsea, Tuchel made his players memorize the dominant foot of every teammate and pass the ball just right—at the perfect speed, angle, and timing. If they didn’t hit the mark, they’d hear about it.
Tuchel is known as a perfectionist, a workaholic, and a footballing chess master. When the FA was looking for Gareth Southgate’s replacement, they quickly saw him as a “super-elite” choice. He made a strong impression when they met. With his usual precision, he gave a PowerPoint presentation showing his vision for England—careful planning, creative tactics, and a winning mindset. He can really command a room, whether in German or English, and that helped win over the FA.
His resume got everyone buzzing in the England squad’s WhatsApp group when the news broke. Tuchel has won 11 major trophies, including the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021. He’s a regular in the Champions League knockout stages and has coached some of the biggest stars in football. But what really excites England’s players is how he can help them play better.
Tuchel doesn’t just prepare his teams; he gives them a strong belief in his system. His philosophy is simple: control every part of the game, set the pace, and take charge. If his team follows his plan perfectly, nothing else matters.
His love for tactics is admired, even by other coaches. A famous story from his year off in 2014 shows this well. Tuchel visited Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, and they spent hours at a dinner table, moving salt and pepper shakers around while chatting about football.
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gündogan, who has played for both, sees the similarities. “Thomas is very intense, and his tactical approach is top-notch,” he says.
While Tuchel’s tactical brain is his trademark, he also knows how to connect with players and staff in special ways. His time at Chelsea is full of stories about small but meaningful gestures.
After Chelsea won the Champions League against Manchester City, Tuchel made sure every first-team member—players, medical staff, security, even chefs—got a framed montage of their contributions, with a personal note.
And then there were the famous Christmas cookies. Believing a bakery in Germany made the best Lebkuchen in the world, he brought in 200 crates so every Chelsea employee could enjoy a festive treat. It’s these little things that build strong loyalty.
Even in training, Tuchel keeps things fun. “He likes to mix it up,” says Aubameyang. “Training is really intense, but on recovery days, instead of just running, you might play basketball. It’s different and fun!”
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But Tuchel’s intensity comes with a price. Those who embrace his style thrive, but those who don’t can find themselves on the outside. His standards are sky-high, and he expects the same from his players.
Harry Kane, who played for him at Bayern Munich, gets this balance. “He creates a relaxed vibe when you’re not training, with some banter. But on the pitch, it’s all focus. He’s known for being one of the best tactically, but it’s also the energy he brings. He won’t back down from a confrontation if needed.”
Aubameyang is a great example. When he broke club rules at Dortmund by flying to Milan for a haircut before a Champions League game, Tuchel dropped him. But once the punishment was over, it was all good. In the next game, Aubameyang scored four goals and celebrated with a hug for his manager. Years later, when Tuchel was at Chelsea, Aubameyang said he wouldn’t have signed if Tuchel wasn’t there. That bond is still strong.
Even with his talent, Tuchel’s career has had its share of bumps with club management. He’s had disagreements with directors at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. His stints don’t usually last long—two years at Dortmund, two and a half at PSG, 19 months at Chelsea, and 14 at Bayern. His high-energy style can wear people out, including himself.
At Bayern, his clashes with the club’s bigwigs, like Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, became public. It was a tough fit for Tuchel’s demanding style. As Kane puts it, “He’s pretty straightforward, and maybe some players didn’t like that.”
The FA knows about Tuchel’s ups and downs. That’s why they’ve given him an 18-month contract, just for the World Cup cycle. It’s a risk, but one with big potential. If he can spark quick improvement, like he did at Chelsea, the rewards could be amazing.
Interestingly, Tuchel will start this journey without his trusted assistants, Arno Michels and Zsolt Löw, who have been with him since the beginning. Instead, he’ll rely on Anthony Barry, who he brought to Chelsea and later to Bayern. The FA thinks highly of Barry and sees him as England’s next great coaching talent.
It’s clear the FA sees Tuchel and Barry as a team, much like Southgate and Steve Holland. But Tuchel is the star here, and his challenge is clear: take England to new heights and bring home success on the biggest stage.
Ralf Rangnick, Tuchel’s mentor, once said it best: “I always say top coaches are not easy to deal with.” That’s the price of greatness. And now, England hopes Tuchel’s greatness can lead them to glory.
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