Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno is convinced that Thomas Tuchel will prove to be a good appointment for England, even if it does mean ‘The Germans take over’.
Leno has been speaking to Sky Sports in Germany about various subjects and the recent appointment of Tuchel by the Three Lions, which naturally caught the Fulham man’s attention.
The German boss was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s long-term replacement this week, having reportedly signed his deal with them earlier this month.
The appointment of the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss has been met with unsurprising criticism from the British press, who have been left unimpressed at a German being given the England national team job.
A series of pundits have also criticised the decision from the FA, believing the England manager’s job should always go to an Englishman.
Tuchel, though, is undoubtedly one of the best available coaches on the market after a club career that’s seen him win Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and the Champions League as well as various other domestic trophies.
He was also UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year in 2021 and The Best FIFA Football Coach the same year, a further demonstration of his status int eh game.
And the goalkeeper is convinced it will prove to be a smart choice, even if he has been joking about it with his Fulham teammates.
“When I found out that something was going on, I thought it was very positive,” he said.
“A few colleagues at the club also asked me about it and of course I said, ‘The Germans take over.’ On the one hand it’s fun, but I think it’s a good match.
“Thomas Tuchel is viewed very critically in Germany. Here in England, it’s a bit different. He is seen here as a top manager in terms of expertise. He was so successful with Chelsea, even if that ended a bit strangely.
“He was also linked with Manchester United here. Everything is viewed very positively. I can imagine that it’s a good match and that people here will accept and appreciate it. That will do the English national team good.”
