Thomas Tuchel was confirmed as the next England boss on Wednesday but faced criticism immediately after his arrival, with ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher not convinced
Jamie Carragher has slammed the FA’s decision to appoint Thomas Tuchel with a subtle trophy jibe.
The German was appointed as the next England boss earlier this week. He has penned a 18-month deal and becomes the third foreign manager to take the reins after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Among those to have criticised the decision is ex-Liverpool star Carragher. After being reminded that English managers have not won a major club trophy since 2008 on Twitter, he suggested that is not uncommon among international bosses.
He replied: “How successful English coaches have been has got nothing to do with what I’m saying, at top international level it’s your best v their best. How many club trophies have Lionel Scaloni & Luis de la Fuente won??”
Carragher’s latest comments are not the first time that he has criticised The FA ’s decision to appoint a foreign coach. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “When I think of England, we are so close to winning a major tournament with so much good work that has gone into producing these players at St George’s Park, it just doesn’t feel right to me that we have a foreign coach.
“It’s not just about England – I don’t think Italy should, I don’t think Germany should, I don’t think France should. Portugal have it at the moment with Roberto Martinez which I find strange. That’s my take on it.
“I’m not bothered either way. I must be perfectly honest, I’m not the most patriotic of people. It’s not just about ‘the England manager has to be this’. I’m not going to lose any sleep over it. England have got a brilliant manager but I think England should have an English manager.”
Tuchel is set to wait for his debut as Three Lions boss. He will officially start the role on January 1 next year – with his first game set to come in the form of a World Cup qualifier or UEFA Nations League playoff fixture the following March.
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The former Chelsea boss hosted his introductory press conference on Wednesday and spoke out on doubts over his nationality. He said: “I am sorry to have a German passport but I can just tell them and maybe the supporters can feel my passion for the English Premier League, my passion for the country, how I love to live and work here.
“How my memories are of the highest level and they played a huge role and hopefully I can convince people and show them and prove to them that I am proud to be English manager.
“I will do everything to show respect to this role and to this country. The target for the next 18 months is nothing else. This is the biggest one in world football and everybody can be assured… no matter of (their) nationality.”
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