Thomas Tuchel’s relationship with England players and what stars think of ex-Chelsea boss

Thomas Tuchel has already secured the backing of numerous England stars.

The German's first role as an international manager has had a mixed beginning. His spell commenced with workmanlike – albeit unconvincing – World Cup qualifying victories against Albania, Latvia and Andorra, before a worrying 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal at Molineux.

The verdict will probably stay undecided on the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief until the World Cup, provided England succeed in progressing from their group, which also includes Serbia, the only country in Group K they've yet to encounter. Nevertheless, that hasn't prevented his squad from sharing their thoughts on him, including the likes of Noni Madueke, Harry Kane and John Stones.

Noni Madueke

Madueke joined Chelsea following the German's surprising dismissal at Stamford Bridge, but the current Arsenal winger seemingly has already experienced the Tuchel approach. When questioned about playing under the Three Lions chief, Madueke made it abundantly clear everyone donning an England jersey understands his expectations.

The winger said: "He [Tuchel] is very intense. very clear with what he wants. He has high standards. He doesn't allow anyone to drop under them. That's the kind of coach that will benefit England."

John Stones

Numerous injury setbacks following the Euro 2024 final have prevented John Stones from featuring in Tuchel's opening two England squads. Nevertheless, Tuchel wanted the Manchester City centre-back to remain connected to the group.

The England manager extended an invitation to Stones for the squad's training camp in Girona, which also included the players attending the Barcelona F1 Grand Prix. Reflecting on the significance of Tuchel's gesture, Stones revealed: "It was really nice. Change of scenery for me and to be welcomed and asked to go with the team was really nice to be with the guys and be around the players after the season. I love being around the players after the season.

"I felt very welcomed and wanted. Hopefully I can bring something else. I wasn't able to be in that squad but to maybe see it from a different angle, my leadership skills towards the players joining for the first time or the players who haven't been there very long. To spend a few days with them was really nice and I was really grateful."

Morgan Gibbs-White

Morgan Gibbs-White will always remember his initial encounter with Tuchel. The Nottingham Forest midfielder was displeased with the England chief, having originally been overlooked for the inaugural international squad of his leadership.

But following a string of late withdrawals, Gibbs-White received the call-up from the German manager. Reflecting on his experience with Tuchel, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder commented: "To be fair, [Tuchel] has been incredible. I think he has done [that] with most of the players.

"I think as soon as he got the job he has been in contact with the majority of the players. He is a really easy-going sort of guy, nice to speak to. I felt it was top from him, really good starting that relationship with us before even meeting us."

Harry Kane

Having previously collaborated with Tuchel at Bayern Munich, netting 44 goals and providing 12 assists across 45 appearances under the former Chelsea manager, Kane understood exactly what England would gain under the German tactician.

When his appointment was announced, the captain was invited to draw comparisons between Tuchel and Southgate. Kane commented: "I had a great relationship with Gareth, we were similar in a lot of ways - quite quiet and understanding. We had a lot of conversations about things. Thomas brings a lot more energy and enthusiasm, already in the training sessions and meetings.

"He has a lot of passion when he's talking. I saw a lot of it last season, and he was a big reason why I went to Bayern in the first place. I know his attributes and how good a coach he is. All the boys have been impressed with him, now we're just excited to get out there and start the next chapter."

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.