World Cup winner Philipp Lahm has warned England to be weary of his compatriot Thomas Tuchel's tendency for conflict despite hailing the new manager as one of the game's great tacticians
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Updated 16:08, 24 Mar 2025
ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, talks to the media during a press conference at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 23, 2025 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel has had fractious relationships at several of his clubs.(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
World Cup winner Philipp Lahm believes Thomas Tuchel may not succeed as England manager because of his “tendency towards conflict.”
Tuchel is set to take charge of his second game as Three Lions boss against Latvia on Monday night having already publicly stressed that he expects “more impact” from Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford after both struggled in his maiden fixture, Friday’s 2-0 win over Albania. And while Tuchel says that his comments were constructive feedback rather than overt criticism, his previous rows with hierarchies at clubs including Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain point to a different approach than under predecessor Gareth Southgate.
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Former Germany star Lahm declared: “A national coach must be a moderator with a great feel for his players. He must create a hierarchy by identifying and then strengthening leaders within the group. Southgate knew how to create a harmonious environment.
“Tuchel, on the other hand, is more demanding and much more of a perfectionist. His tendency towards conflict — and in public — could be damaging.”
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Lahm does consider Tuchel to be among the game's finest tacticians and says his compatriot has the communication skills to get his desired strategy across clearly to players. But he adds: "It does not always go well for him and when it fails, it’s never because of tactics, but rather interpersonal relationships."
Lahm, in a column for the Athletic, goes on to argue that the lack of “a distinctive modern playing culture” - such as across Spain - continues to hamper England.
“Southgate was often blamed for playing cautiously in recent tournaments, but his critics overlooked the fact he did not have the same prerequisites as his coaching colleagues from the other four major European countries.
Phillip Lahm has given his thoughts on Thomas Tuchel.
Phillip Lahm has given his thoughts on Thomas Tuchel.(Image: Getty Images for DFB)
“Will Thomas Tuchel get more out of it? Is he the right man for England? His knowledge as a tactician is unquestionable, but he has yet to prove that he has the skills needed in his new role.
“That doesn’t mean he can’t grow into it. A German who brings England another title after 60 years and becomes a national immortal? That would be a great story for our two footballing nations.”
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