In a shocking turn for many football fans, Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the next manager of the England football team, set to take the reins in January 2025. For a country so proud of its footballing heritage, the idea of a German leading the national team may feel like a betrayal to some, a necessity to others. But the question remains: why are English managers struggling to reach the top in both domestic and international football? Why is it that European managers, especially from nations like Germany, Italy, and Spain, seem to outperform their English counterparts?
This isn’t just a footballing issue; it’s a cultural issue that stretches to the very roots of the English game. And it raises some tough questions about the future of football management in England. Is the system broken? Are English managers simply not good enough? Or is there something deeper going on here?
A Long History of Foreign Influence
It’s important to start with the history. English football has always been a point of national pride. The first professional league, the Football League, was established in 1888, and the sport’s global dominance seemed inevitable. Yet, when it comes to football management, England’s golden age seems to be firmly in the rearview mirror.
The 1966 World Cup win under Alf Ramsey remains the pinnacle of English managerial success, but since then, there has been a slow decline in the prominence of English managers. Sir Bobby Robson, who led England to a World Cup semi-final in 1990, was perhaps the last English manager to enjoy sustained international success. Since then, English managers have been largely absent from top-tier success.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the Premier League, the world’s most-watched football competition, is dominated by foreign managers. From Arsène Wenger’s transformative years at Arsenal to Pep Guardiola’s revolution at Manchester City, foreign managers have left an indelible mark on English football. These managers not only brought tactical sophistication but also an international mindset that seemed to be lacking in the English managerial pool.
Why Are English Managers Failing?
The first and perhaps most controversial question is why English managers are failing to reach the same heights as their European counterparts. To understand this, we need to look at several factors: education, opportunity, and culture.
1. Coaching Education: Are English Managers Behind the Curve?
One of the most cited reasons for the struggles of English managers is the difference in coaching education. UEFA’s coaching licenses are the gold standard for football managers across Europe. In countries like Germany and Spain, the path to becoming a coach is rigorous and demands a deep understanding of the game, not just on the pitch but off it. Coaches are required to complete extensive training in sports science, psychology, and tactical analysis.
Germany, in particular, has a well-structured coaching system. The Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) coaching courses are known for their emphasis on tactical innovation, and many German coaches have honed their skills in the Bundesliga’s second and third tiers before moving on to top clubs. Thomas Tuchel, Jürgen Klopp, and Julian Nagelsmann are just a few examples of managers who climbed through this structured system.
In contrast, England’s coaching setup has historically been criticised for being too insular and less rigorous. While the FA has made strides in improving the coaching pathway in recent years, with more focus on tactical education and leadership skills, the question remains: has it come too late? Are English managers playing catch-up in a football world that’s already moved on?
2. Opportunities for English Managers: Are There Enough?
Another major factor is opportunity—or the lack thereof. English managers have long struggled to secure positions at the top Premier League clubs. Why? It’s a vicious cycle: top clubs want proven winners, but how can English managers become winners without getting a chance at these top jobs?
There have been examples of promising English managers who never quite made it to the top tier. Take Eddie Howe, who built an impressive resume with Bournemouth but was only recently given the chance to manage a club with the resources and ambition of Newcastle United. His appointment raised hopes for English managers, but he’s still the exception, not the rule.
In contrast, foreign managers with less experience have been trusted with the helm of big clubs. Managers like André Villas-Boas and Mauricio Pochettino were handed top-tier jobs early in their careers, despite having relatively limited experience compared to their English counterparts. This suggests that English managers are not being given the same opportunities as foreign managers to prove themselves on the biggest stage.
The European Advantage: Why Are Foreign Managers So Successful?
While it’s easy to point fingers at the English system, it’s also crucial to understand why European managers have been so successful, particularly in the Premier League.
1. Tactical Innovation
European managers are often seen as tactically superior. The rise of managers like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp has introduced English football to new styles of play, such as “tiki-taka” and “gegenpressing.” These styles require a deep understanding of tactics, movement, and adaptability—traits that many English managers have been accused of lacking.
For years, English football was stereotyped as relying on physicality and direct play. While this has changed over the last decade, there is still a perception that English managers are stuck in the past, unable to adapt to the modern game’s demands. Managers like Sam Allardyce and Tony Pulis, while successful in their own right, have been criticised for their reliance on “old-school” tactics that many feel are out of touch with the modern game.
2. Global Mindset
Another reason for the success of European managers is their global mindset. Foreign managers are often more willing to embrace new ideas, technologies, and ways of thinking about the game. They have experience working in multiple countries and leagues, which gives them a broader perspective on football management.
In contrast, many English managers have spent their entire careers within the UK football system. This insularity can limit their ability to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing demands of modern football.
Are English Managers Underpaid and Undervalued?
One question often overlooked in the debate is whether English managers are undervalued and underpaid at the grassroots level. The English football pyramid is vast, with hundreds of clubs spread across various leagues. Yet, the pay and support for managers at the lower levels are often minimal, especially compared to their European counterparts.
In Germany, even managers at lower-tier clubs are given access to advanced coaching resources and are well-compensated for their work. This not only helps them develop but also ensures they can focus solely on football. In contrast, many English managers at lower-league clubs must work part-time or take on additional jobs to make ends meet.
This lack of financial support may be one reason why fewer English managers rise to the top. Without the resources to invest in their development, many talented individuals may give up on their managerial ambitions altogether.
Should English Managers Learn Abroad?
Perhaps the most controversial solution to the problem is the idea that English managers should go abroad to learn their trade. After all, if foreign managers are coming to England and succeeding, why shouldn’t English managers try the reverse?
There have been some examples of English managers going abroad and finding success. Graham Potter, who managed Östersund in Sweden before returning to the Premier League, is often cited as an example of how English managers can benefit from working in different football cultures. Potter’s time in Sweden helped him develop a more nuanced understanding of tactics and man-management, which he has since applied successfully in the Premier League.
Yet, very few English managers are willing to take this step. Why? There’s a sense of comfort in staying within the English football bubble, and many managers may feel that leaving the country would harm their reputation. However, if English managers want to compete with their European counterparts, they may need to embrace the idea of learning abroad and gaining new experiences.
The Future of English Management
So, what does the future hold for English managers? Will we continue to see a procession of foreign managers at the helm of top English clubs and the national team? Or will there be a resurgence of English managerial talent in the coming years?
There are reasons to be optimistic. The FA has made significant changes to its coaching structure, and more young English managers are being given opportunities to manage in the Premier League. Managers like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Scott Parker represent a new generation of English coaches who have the potential to succeed at the highest level.
However, unless there is a continued focus on improving coaching education, increasing opportunities for English managers, and encouraging them to broaden their horizons, it’s likely that foreign managers will continue to dominate English football.
A Broken System or an Inevitable Evolution?
The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the England manager may be controversial, but it’s also a reflection of the current state of English football management. While many will argue that English managers are not being given the opportunities they deserve, the reality is that they need to prove they can compete on the same level as their European counterparts.
The problem isn’t just about opportunity; it’s about a cultural shift that needs to happen within English football. Managers need to embrace new ideas, take risks, and be willing to step outside their comfort zones. Only then can we hope to see a new generation of English managers who are capable of leading not just clubs but also the national team to glory.
But until that happens, the question remains: Why can’t English managers keep up?
