World Cup winner fires warning to England manager Thomas Tuchel over ‘damaging’ coaching style and pinpoints common theme in all of German’s sackings

New England manager Thomas Tuchel has been warned that some elements of his coaching style may need to change if he is to have success with the Three Lions.

Tuchel’s new era got underway with a workmanlike 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley in the opening match of their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday night.

And it continues as his team host Latvia in the second game of their campaign on Monday evening.

Tuchel has won plenty of trophies as a manager, including the Champions League, but has also had some high-profile issues during his spells in England, France and Germany.  

And 2014 World Cup winner Philip Lahm thinks he could potentially have similar problems at England. 

Writing in The Athletic, Lahm began by praising the German’s abilities as a tactician before firing a word of caution.

Philipp Lahm (left of trophy) says Tuchel’s tendency for conflict could be damaging

The German manager won his first game in charge of the Three Lions on Friday night

‘But it does not always go well for him and when it fails, it’s never because of tactics, but rather interpersonal relationships,’ he wrote.

‘His departure from Mainz was fractious. In Dortmund, there were conflicts with the club management, in Paris, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, and at Chelsea, with Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital after they bought the club.

‘No matter where he works, tensions seem to arise at some point. Apart from Mainz (2009 to 2014), Tuchel has never stayed anywhere for three years. 

‘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.

‘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.’