Apologies, football again grabs our attention with inclusion on the national agenda.
An emotional chapter in England’s footballing journey closed this summer as Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager of the England football team. Rumours spread, bets were placed, but ultimately a brand-new, exciting section of the story begins with Thomas Tuchel stepping into the role replacing the nation’s sometimes beloved and perhaps underappreciated Southgate.
A surprise to many, and for the most part the reception from the fans has been electric, but to no shock, some are hammering the decision, choosing to focus on things that just aren’t that important.
There was an unfortunate uproar online. Comments called the decision a ‘disgrace’ and ‘ridiculous.’ There’s a belief in some parts that the England manager must be English – the pinnacle of the sport should mean we have the best from our nation in every role, that a German leading the team doesn’t and will not work. We ask, who? And we ask, why?
The achievements of Tuchel speak for themselves, and so do the lack of major achievements amongst the best of English managers.
England’s only trophy dates back to 1966. No England manager has been successful since – foreign or home-grown. No English manager has won the Premier League. No English manager has won a major domestic trophy since Harry Redknapp in 2008 with Portsmouth. When we begin to put things into perspective, we quickly realise the importance of embracing the new leader.
There’s something poetic about a German referring to the England manager role as a ‘privilege.’ Tuchel has embraced English football for years and expressed his love for the game when he was at Chelsea, winning a Champions League title and sharing his hope to return to English football again – he has now done so on the biggest scale possible. Thomas Tuchel has the rare, impressive and well-respected ability to create a common purpose amongst his people, giving those around someone to believe in, and something to belong to.
Anyone would be lucky to attract an individual with such an impressive resume, such a likeable nature and heaps of energy – yet some fans have allowed outdated thinking and out of touch opinions get the better of themselves.
It was unfortunate enough to see parts of the fanbase unload on Tuchel, but to hear ex professionals and pundits such as Jamie Carragher and Dean Ashton bash the decision, claiming it was ‘wrong’ to bring in Tuchel was a real disappointing punch in the face. The idea that we must have only an English manager is outdated and has been proven to not work repeatedly. Just look at the success of the brilliant Lionesses with Sarina Wiegman.
It is time to welcome and embrace those who come from a different background. Use your platform, your audience, your privilege of discussing football to help support the Football Associations current bold decision-making. Those who have experienced such hostile environments where they have felt the trauma of being excluded or marginalised know how vital it is to feel included. For those who have the privilege of not facing exclusion and what that pressure feels like should be far more empathetic – instead, some are adding to the hostility and the unnecessary bashing. We need to get behind him and back the appointment.
Tuchel has dealt with the pressure very well so far. In his first interview, he discussed his enjoyment of living in England alongside his love for the culture, the people, and the quality of football itself. He’s showing signs of the leadership the role deserves – understanding the environment around him and putting his all into winning the hearts and trust of the people relying on him. Tuchel is trying to be the best person for the team not just the job. It’s something we haven’t seen for a long time – Southgate had the team’s trust, he had the nation’s support, but perhaps his caution brought by the pressure not to lose flawed him at the final hurdle – the next appointment needed that final piece of the puzzle, and we might just have that with Thomas Tuchel.
When a new leader doesn’t look like you, sound like you or even think like you, it should fill you with excitement, not fear. Escape the toxic mindset of exclusion and learn to embrace the difference that others can offer. Sometimes it takes those who may feel like ‘opposites’ to change our way of thinking and believing.
The story so far speaks volumes of the issues we are facing in our communities and industries, from sport, to business, to academia. Being a leader is scary, it can be the best and loneliest job in the world – nobody needs to tell a leader the pressure they will face, they feel it from their first day. The way we lift our leaders is by pulling together to show support, making them feel welcome and accepted – resistance is a huge flaw that can only lead to bigger failures.
Tuchel hasn’t let his background define him or keep him from taking on such a difficult challenge – not many leaders are capable of doing the same. It’s evident that there are so many lessons to take from all of this, for both leaders and teams.
The world is shifting into a much needed, more inclusive attitude. Change is inevitable, and necessary to keep success possible – the more we fight it, the more we limit ourselves from fulfilling our potential.
The past is gone, the future is ours for the taking.
Thought for the week:
Purpose gives people something to belong to.
Tips for becoming an A player:
Always be prepared for change
Surround yourself with people who see the world different from you.
Embrace difference and fear sameness
Challenge yourself everyday
Lead by example
