England approached Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti over permanent vacant permanent coach role before taking key decision: Reports
England reportedly got in touch with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as well as Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before confirming Thomas Tuchel as their new permanent head coach. The German has been out of job since leaving Bayern Munich last season.
It will be Tuchel's first foray into international management, but he has had experience in English football, having managed Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022.
The Three Lions' head coaching position has been lying vacant since Gareth Southgate resigned after a 2-1 Euro 2024 final loss to Spain in July. With interim coach Lee Carsley seemingly not interested in taking up the role in a permanent capacity, the FA had been scouting several high-profile options before finalising Tuchel.
As per Gary Lineker (via Daily Mail), the FA approached Los Blancos boss Ancelotti and his City counterpart Guardiola as well as they sought a successor for Southgate.
Tuchel becomes only the third non-English manager of the Three Lions, following Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. The German said (as per the BBC):
"I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team. I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.
"To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting."
Tuchel is to take charge on January 1, 2025.
What's next for Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid?
Real Madrid have had a good start to the season, winning eight of their opening 12 games across competitions, losing once. Carlo Ancelotti's side started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw.
Los Blancos are unbeaten in nine games in La Liga, where the second-placed holders trail Barcelona (24) by three points. Their only reverse this season came at LOSC Lille, losing 1-0 away on matchday two of the UEFA Champions League after opening their title defence with a 3-1 home win over VfB Stuttgart.
Following the aforementioned Lille loss, Ancelotti's side returned to winning ways with a 2-0 home win over Villarreal in the league just before the ongoing international break. They next take on Celta Vigo away on Saturday (October 19) in La Liga before welcoming Borussia Dortmund three days later in the Champions League.