Podcast: Heroes & Humans of Football
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HEROES & HUMANS OF FOOTBALL 
EPISODE:
21

England's new manager: the dark wellness fanatic

Thomas Tuchel is the polarising German football coach known for his brilliance, fanaticism, and sometimes cruelty.

BY: 
Simon Kuper, Mehreen Khan
November 12, 2024
Heroes & Humans of Football (Podcast)
EPISODE
21
-
July 25, 2024

England's new manager: the dark wellness fanatic

Tipped as one of the longshots and now England manager, Thomas Tuchel is the polarising German football coach known for his brilliance, fanaticism, and sometimes cruelty.

Simon and Mehreen cover the fascinating and complex world of Tuchel, whose career is defined by never-ending cycles of success and self-destruction. They chronicle his rollercoaster career—from early days in Germany under the shadow of Jürgen Klopp, to rises and falls at Paris St Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.

Discover how the enigmatic Tuchel’s unconventional training methods, tactical innovation towards coaching, and workaholic lifestyle lead him to become such a dividing and impressive figure of today’s football.

Time stamps:

00:30 - Introduction to Thomas Tuchel

01:03 - His unique lifestyle and beliefs

01:41 - The cycle: Success and self-destruction

02:04 - Potential candidacy for the England national team

03:21 - Early career and influences

05:33 - Playing career and transition to coaching

07:24 - Influence of Ralf Rangnick

09:09 - Innovative coaching methods and rise at Mainz

​​23:23 - Sabbatical and learning from other sports

30:14 - Terrorist attack on Dortmund's team bus

32.20 - Strained relationship with Dortmund's management

33:56 - Move to Paris Saint-Germain

34:50 - Approach to managing star players at Paris Saint Germain

36:24 - Champions League final and abrupt departure from Paris Saint Germain

38:42 - Arrival at Chelsea and immediate impact

43:26 - Winning the Champions League with Chelsea

50:26 - Personal challenges and departure from Chelsea

53:36 - Brief tenure at Bayern Munich

55:40 - Speculation on becoming England manager