Emma Hayes has highlighted Thomas Tuchel as an exceptional coach for the England national team, urging everyone to recognize his capabilities. Reflecting on her 12 years at Chelsea, she noted that both Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino stood out as her favorite managers.
Describing Tuchel as a skilled communicator, she emphasized his clarity and methodical approach when sharing information with players and the media. “Listen, you haven’t made the group and I just wanted you to know that” she stated, admiring his ability to convey messages that are detailed yet inspirational.
Having observed Tuchel’s training sessions at Chelsea, Hayes expressed her admiration for his directness and honesty with players. She remarked, “If you’ve got any questions, you can ask” underscoring his personable nature and strong rapport with staff.
Hayes fondly recalled a moment when both coaches won the 2021 FIFA Best awards via Zoom during the pandemic, saying, “When Thomas won, I was so happy for him.” This showcases the camaraderie and respect she holds for him.
As England prepares for the World Cup finals, it has been three weeks since Tuchel finalized his 26-player squad, a decision she believes he approached with great care. “He’s the kind of coach who is going to die on his sword,” she remarked, acknowledging the inevitable disappointment for top players left out of the lineup.
Tuchel has made it clear that he has around 14 to 15 core players who will feature in nearly every match. Hayes pointed out that while discussions about the entire 26-player squad can be distracting, the reality is that a coach must ensure harmony among players who may not see much action. “A common goal requires sacrifice and the right ego,” she noted.
She continued by stating that Tuchel’s decision-making is influenced by his game model and the players’ ability to handle various conditions, especially in challenging environments. Hayes recognized that England’s flawless qualification campaign provided Tuchel ample opportunity to assess his players thoroughly.
Evaluating players solely based on their club performances is insufficient, as international play offers insights into their responses under pressure. She cited Bukayo Saka as a player who has earned significant trust from the national team over time.
Informing players they have not made the squad is a difficult task, as Hayes explained, saying, “There is no great way to tell someone that news and it is not a fun thing to do.” Each manager has their own approach, whether short and direct or more conversational.
Regarding player selections, she expressed disappointment over the exclusion of top talents like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer but acknowledged the necessity of including standout players like Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze, who has recently performed well.
While she was surprised by Palmer’s omission, believing he could have been beneficial in a squad missing Jack Grealish and Foden, she understood the reasoning behind Tuchel’s choices. “Every time I hear Thomas speaking about it, he’s very clear on the profile he’s looking for,” she noted.
Additionally, Hayes mentioned Tuchel’s focus on ensuring the squad can handle set pieces effectively, which will be crucial in the tournament. Players like Ollie Watkins, who ended the season strongly, and the exceptional penalty taker Ivan Toney were highlighted as key picks.
In her closing remarks, Hayes expressed her anticipation for England’s opening match against Croatia, stating, “Nobody should underestimate this top, top coach.” She is eager to see how Tuchel’s strategies unfold in the tournament.
