Why ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel could replace Southgate as England manager
Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is open to replacing Gareth Southgate as England national team manager, according to reports.
The Blues sacked Tuchel early in September after a tough start to the season, with his last game coming against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
The German boss earned heroic status at Chelsea, having spurred the team on to Champions League glory in 2021.
But the new ownership group, headed by Todd Boehly, invested heavily in the summer, spending the most of any club in Europe, and expected instant results.
Tuchel was sacked soon after the transfer window, with Graham Potter replacing him as the man to carry the team forward for the rest of the campaign.
Why Chelsea boss Tuchel could replace Southgate
When Tuchel arrived at Chelsea, he did so on a Governing Body Endorsement visa, which was introduced following the UK’s departure from the EU.
And following his sacking from Chelsea, the German is thought to have a 90-day period in which he must leave.
''We will act in accordance with UK rules and adapt all future plans,'' a spokesperson for the ex-Chelsea boss said. ''Final decisions are not yet made.''
Thomas Tuchel would be interested in replacing Gareth Southgate after the World Cup. Tuchel has turned down 2 jobs in England already since leaving Chelsea. (@Matt_Law_DT) #CFC pic.twitter.com/MF1vOvs7en
— Pys (@CFCPys) October 13, 2022
He has been linked with a potential move to European giants Bayern Munich and Juventus, where head coaches Julian Nagelsmann and Massimiliano Allegri find themselves under pressure.
But the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund head coach could be provided with an opportunity to remain in the UK.
Tuchel would be interested in taking up international management with England upon the conclusion of the Qatar World Cup, according to the Telegraph.
At present, the 49-year-old continues to live in the UK along with his family, which he could continue to do if given the job.
And widespread reports suggest that Southgate will be on his way out after the World Cup, regardless of the team's performance.