FA Negotiating with Thomas Tuchel to Succeed Gareth Southgate

The Football Association has intensified its search for Gareth Southgate’s successor, with former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel emerging as the frontrunner for the position.

According to a report by Sky Sports News on Tuesday, the FA is in discussions with representatives of the German coach, who has been unemployed since leaving Bayern Munich in May.

“The FA are in talks with representatives of Thomas Tuchel with the German coach in pole position to become the new England manager, Sky Sports News has been told,” the report said.

The report indicates that the FA initially reached out to inquire about Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola shortly after Southgate’s resignation in July.

However, there have been no further developments regarding Guardiola, and he is not considered an active candidate, despite his popularity among senior FA figures.

The focus has now shifted to Tuchel, who is viewed as the leading contender for the role.

Two weeks ago, it was reported that there had been no formal approach to Tuchel or other potential candidates like Jurgen Klopp, Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe.

However, recent developments, including England’s Nations League defeat to Greece and interim manager Lee Carsley’s uncertain position regarding his future, have prompted the FA to intensify their search.

“The FA technical director, John McDermott, is known to want a coach with a proven track record of winning trophies, which is where Tuchel scores highly: he has won league titles with both Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, and the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup with Chelsea,” the report added.

Although Tuchel was placed on gardening leave by Bayern Munich, it is understood that the FA would not need to pay compensation to the German club for his services.

If appointed, Tuchel would become only the third non-English manager of the England men’s team, following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.