Thomas Tuchel is under pressure following England's World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina, but it has emerged that he almost wasn't given the job in the first place. Pep Guardiola had reportedly verbally agreed to take the England job in 2024 only to execute a dramatic U-turn and remain at Manchester City.
Guardiola's Verbal Agreement and Reversal
According to The Athletic, Guardiola gave his word to accept the role back in 2024 after discussions with FA officials. However, he had second thoughts and opted to remain at the Etihad Stadium for another two campaigns. The former Barcelona tactician has now departed City following a spectacular decade in charge, but has confirmed his intention to step away from the game temporarily.
Speaking after his City departure was announced, Guardiola said: "Rest. No plans to train for a while. I need to step back, I will not train for a while." He added: "It's not 10 years – except half a year in New York, it has been 17 or 18 years every three days with people demanding trebles and Premier Leagues and I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I will be out for a while."
Tuchel Under Fire After World Cup Exit
Tuchel finds himself under enormous pressure following the nation's World Cup elimination at the hands of Argentina. His second-half approach in Atlanta has come under widespread scrutiny, with numerous critics arguing that the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief should be dismissed just months after signing fresh terms with the FA until the end of the home Euro 2028 campaign.
Among the candidates being mentioned as Tuchel's possible successor is Guardiola. However, even if Guardiola had shown interest in the position this time around, the FA have painted themselves into a corner regarding Tuchel. It appears that a clause included in his contract has made a switch highly improbable.
Contract Clause Complicates Potential Change
It is understood that there was an exit clause in Tuchel's agreement that would have permitted both sides to terminate their arrangement should England bow out before the World Cup quarter-finals. With the Three Lions having progressed further, any compensation package would likely need to be negotiated.
Nevertheless, Tuchel appears eager to remain in the position. Speaking following the Argentina loss, he said: "We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros. I'm looking forward to that even though right now it's difficult to look that far ahead."
