Thomas Tuchel is determined to rejuvenate the England national team, emphasizing the need for players to shed the burdens of pressure and the mentality of “playing not to lose” that hampered their performance at the Euros. The team faced disappointment last summer, finishing as runners-up to Spain, marking a second consecutive defeat in the European Championships.
Now at the helm, Tuchel’s challenge is to propel the team towards breaking a 60-year drought without a major title at the upcoming World Cup. He believes that in order to succeed, players must be given the freedom to express their talents on the pitch.
“During the Euros, I sensed a heavy tension on the players,” Tuchel reflected ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley. “It seemed like they were focused on avoiding loss rather than embracing the excitement of creating something special. We must change this mindset.”
“I want the team to play with excitement, hunger, and joy,” he continued. “Accepting failure is part of the game. It’s crucial to foster an environment of togetherness where every player feels secure to express themselves and give their utmost effort. We should play to win, not out of fear of losing.”
Emphasizing Clarity of Roles
Tuchel underscored that establishing clear roles for each player is vital for allowing freedom of expression during matches. He noted that a lack of understanding regarding their positions contributed to England’s struggles during the Euros.
“Gareth did an excellent job of placing players in their right positions,” Tuchel stated. “However, during the tournament, the players lacked the freedom to showcase their skills within a stable structure. It wasn’t just England experiencing changes in play styles from match to match.”
“Now, it’s essential that every player knows and embraces their role on the field, plays with discipline, and seeks solutions within their designated space. We need to strengthen our bonds, establish better rhythm, and enhance connections on the field.”
This week marked the beginning of Tuchel’s tenure, and he expressed enthusiasm about the squad’s potential. “They reminded me instantly why I was excited about this position,” Tuchel noted. “Their behavior and interaction as a group, along with their performance on the pitch, were remarkable. The quality of our training sessions has been high, and everyone’s willingness to give their best was evident.”
Building Team Cohesion
Tuchel emphasized that the effort to promote team bonding can’t end with the upcoming qualifiers. He stated, “We have only six camps to build this team, and it’s crucial to create connections during training. It’s also my duty to maintain that bond between camps through visits or calls. Players must support each other outside of our training sessions.”
“Without consistent connections, our six camps won’t be sufficient to foster the special atmosphere needed for success in the World Cup. We need to cherish each moment and fully utilize every day. The players have risen to that challenge since Monday.”
“It’s been a joy to be part of this process, but this is just the beginning.”
