Finding flame in the dark

With this contract, the German expert becomes the third foreigner - after Sven-Goran Eriksson (Sweden) and Fabio Capello (Italy) - to hold the England team. With the pitch of the country that once proudly claimed to be the root of the “King sport", it is a sensitive matter that can lessen the pride of the founder. The contemporary English football field is not lacking in experienced coaches who are passionate about the aspirations and journey of the country's football. The technique, playing style, and empathy between coaches and players have been running in their veins, and outsiders may not be able to fully share it. Mr. Tuchel may be knowledgeable about the atmosphere of the English football field and proficient in the strategies in the arena for the club due to his time at Chelsea; however, it is difficult to integrate and empathize like a native expert, especially in the mission of the national team. If a foreign coach is chosen, that expert must be an outstanding person, a bright star with clear achievements and effectiveness like Pep Guardiola. "The captain of Manchester City is still there and has also expressed his desire to challenge a national team, so why don't we talk to him?" With these arguments, many people compare the new contract to the image of a person who, because of impatience, just blindly jumps in, not caring what lies ahead or what the result will be. Others have been blunt in their criticism of the English football governing body for betting and handing the fate of the national team to a German.

“I am sorry, I just have a German passport,” Tuchel jokingly apologised. He must have known the source of the concerns and reservations many people have towards him at the moment, and 11 titles he has won in the most exciting times with clubs in England, France and Germany – including the Champions League – are nothing to compare to nearly 60 years of waiting for the world title of Britain. The mark of his two predecessors, Eriksson and Capello, plus the doubts of the English people about the love and enthusiasm of a German for the achievements, are difficult to change in just some days. Furthermore, the latest failure at Bayern Munich, which forced Tuchel to leave the place early, is also a stain on his career, gradually reducing England's trust in him. Although Harry Kane - England captain, currently playing for Bayern Munich and scoring 44 goals in 45 matches under Tuchel's guidance - has praised his former coach, the public's concerns are difficult to fade.

The answer only comes from results. Tuchel clearly understood this, not at the inauguration ceremony but more than 2 months ago when the FA representative contacted him. Surely, he is not too shallow to only think about the empty title when sitting in the highest seat of a top team, with great pressure from the public's expectations. He believes in his ability and forces himself into new challenges as a major milestone in his career, a turning point that - as former player Rio Ferdinand commented - if he brings the World Cup to England, Tuchel will become "immortal"!

A German serving in England will fight not only for himself but also for a practical reflection, a new development trend in sports!