Tuchel’s First Match as England Manager…
When Thomas Tuchel steps onto the field as England manager for the first time this evening, he might just send a cheeky “cheers” Ralf Rangnick’s way. Known as one of football’s managerial maestros, Tuchel’s trophy collection rivals that of your grandma’s antique china cabinet. Tasked now with nabbing the World Cup for England, he’s come a long way since his days slinging drinks over a Stuttgart bar counter.
Rangnick, a former Manchester United gaffer and talent magician, first found Tuchel mixing cocktails rather than tactics. “Back in ’98 at Ulm, Thomas was a 25-year-old with a dodgy knee and a knack for understanding football – and maybe a bit of a hangover,” Rangnick revealed to BBC Sport. With Rangnick’s guidance, Tuchel swapped martini glasses for a whistle, launching a coaching career that reads like a bestseller. “I knew he was special,” Rangnick added, probably while polishing his crystal ball.
Tonight, as the Three Lions roar into the World Cup qualifiers against Albania at Wembley, all eyes will be on the former bartender turned maestro. Will Tuchel’s magic work on English soil? Only time – and possibly a pint or two – will tell.
