Thomas Tuchel Says He Wants To ‘Make England’s Dreams Come True’ In First Press Conference As Manager

New England manager Thomas Tuchel told his first press conference that he hopes to ‘make our dream come true’ by winning the 2026 World Cup.

The former Chelsea boss, 51, was announced as the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate on Wednesday.

Tuchel will take charge on 1 January, signing an initial 18-month contract and taking over from interim boss Lee Carsley.

During his first press conference since the appointment, the German responded to critics who opposed England having a foreign coach.

“Sorry I have a German passport,” he told the gathered media.

Tuchel will become only the third non-English manager of the England men’s team.

Swedish coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and Italian Fabio Capello are the only previous foreign coaches, taking charge from 2001-2006 and 2008-2012 respectively.

📩 (1) new message from Thomas Tuchel. pic.twitter.com/ADTVUHpnRN

— England (@England) October 16, 2024

Thomas Tuchel Tells Press Conference Of His Excitement

Discussing making the switch from club to international management, Tuchel said he looked forward to the talent he will be able to select from.

He spoke of his excitement at working with England’s “very special and exciting group of players.”

With the aim of winning the World Cup in 2026, Tuchel knows how to succeed in major tournaments.

The German guided Chelsea to the UEFA Champions League title in 2021.

But he has made it clear he understands the magnitude of the job he is taking on.

He told the media at Wembley: “I understood very quickly that is it is a big job. I think always the job you are in is the biggest job and it makes no sense to compare, but it feels big and feels like a privilege.

“It is pretty obvious I am very emotional. I love what I am doing and am passionate about football.

“This role just brought the young me alive and brought back my teenage days, to get excited for such a big task.

“Everyone can be assured we will do it with passion and emotions. We will try to install values and principles and rules as quickly as possible to make the dream come true.”

Tuchel Speaks Out Defiantly To Critics Opposing Foreign Appointment

With some in the media against the appointment of a non-English manager, Tuchel has directly addressed such concerns.

He said: “All of those supporters maybe felt my passion for the English Premier League and the country and how I love to live and work here.

“Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them I am proud to be an English manager and do everything to show respect to this role and this country and the target for the next 18 months.

New England Manager Undecided On Singing National Anthem

When asked if he would opt to sing ‘God Save The King’ before England matches, Tuchel says he is undecided at present.

He said: “I understand it is a personal decision. There are managers who sing and some who don’t. I have not made my decision yet.

“No matter what decision I take, I will always show my respect to the country and a very moving anthem.”

Previous foreign manager Sven-Goran Eriksson did sing the anthem, while Fabio Capello opted not to.