EastStandBlue
Life President
Interesting appointment. An elite level coach, great tactician and one of, if not the, best coaches in knockout football. From a purely pragmatic approach, he’s the best available candidate. Anthony Barry also comes with great pedigree.
I’ll be interested to see how the fans/press take to him. The Daily Mail has already **** the bed with a frankly ridiculous back page (Jeff Powell’s positively frothing at the mouth, and you’d expect no less), and the not insignificant portion of fans who sing about two world wars and one World Cup at every opportunity will be ready to pounce on the earliest misstep.
One of the great elements of the Southgate era was how he was able to unify all of the little factions that fall behind the national team and use them to create a much more supportive environment. Obviously that was hugely helped by winning more than he lost, but Southgate’s character and communication was vital. Will Tuchel be able to do the same?
At 18 months, it’s a short commitment from both sides. It could be strategically timed so the FA can take stock and see who else might be available if the World Cup isn’t delivered - suggestions Guardiola will sign a 1-year extension in the coming weeks.
It is, however, an enormous shift from the development model that Ashworth et al set more than a decade ago. The FA appear now to be throwing the kitchen sink at someone capable of possibly hauling a “golden generation” over the line, rather than establishing a long-term vision for the game. We’ve been here before, and it hasn’t worked out.
I’ll be interested to see how the fans/press take to him. The Daily Mail has already **** the bed with a frankly ridiculous back page (Jeff Powell’s positively frothing at the mouth, and you’d expect no less), and the not insignificant portion of fans who sing about two world wars and one World Cup at every opportunity will be ready to pounce on the earliest misstep.
One of the great elements of the Southgate era was how he was able to unify all of the little factions that fall behind the national team and use them to create a much more supportive environment. Obviously that was hugely helped by winning more than he lost, but Southgate’s character and communication was vital. Will Tuchel be able to do the same?
At 18 months, it’s a short commitment from both sides. It could be strategically timed so the FA can take stock and see who else might be available if the World Cup isn’t delivered - suggestions Guardiola will sign a 1-year extension in the coming weeks.
It is, however, an enormous shift from the development model that Ashworth et al set more than a decade ago. The FA appear now to be throwing the kitchen sink at someone capable of possibly hauling a “golden generation” over the line, rather than establishing a long-term vision for the game. We’ve been here before, and it hasn’t worked out.
