Thomas Tuchel's carefree attitude and distance from the England job could prove crucial as he aims to surpass Gareth Southgate's achievements. The German manager threw the ceremonial pitch before the Kansas City Royals' game against the St Louis Cardinals on Thursday, smiling broadly as he delivered a gentle strike. Harry Kane laughed watching, like a proud but slightly embarrassed son. Tuchel appears to be having the time of his life, justifying English optimism after the victory over Croatia.
Comparing Tuchel and Southgate
It is hard to imagine Gareth Southgate showboating in a personalized baseball jersey had he still been in charge. Southgate did a very good job across four tournaments, with two runner-up finishes in the Euros and semi-final and quarter-final exits from World Cups. However, the job weighed heavily on him. Southgate often found himself with a remit beyond football, frequently asked for views on societal and political issues, speaking out to promote inclusivity and diversity. Tuchel, by contrast, was once asked about abusive chants aimed at Keir Starmer but said he hadn't heard them. He is not asked about English societal issues because he is not English.
Tuchel's Enjoyment of the Role
For Tuchel, it is all about football. He loved the preparation camp in Florida, tossing the baseball, and the enormity of the occasion in Dallas. He was infuriated when photographers blocked his view of the pre-match ceremony. A 4-2 win over Croatia has improved the mood, and this looks like a bucket-list trip for Tuchel rather than an onerous expedition. He does not sing the national anthem because it is not his. The job is deeply personal; he imagines having World Cup glory on his CV. His anger at the first-half performance against Croatia stemmed from it spoiling his enjoyment.
A Win-Win Situation
Tuchel has never said it, but he probably can't believe his luck. For most of the time, it is a part-time gig paying a hundred grand a week. Outside the tournament, competitive games have only been competitive by name, with normally inferior opponents. Judging by his demeanour and words, Tuchel is enjoying the job more than he thought he would. Recounting his half-time team talk in Dallas, he said: "(I told them) even if we lose, it will not change my perception of the last 17 days, but let's do it our way." There was talk of Tuchel being fearless, but that is because he thinks he has nothing to fear. Southgate often looked like he had the cares of a country on his mind; baseball-throwing Tuchel looks like he has not got a care in the world. And maybe that will make all the difference.
