Pep Guardiola's stance on Thomas Tuchel says everything as England talks intensify

Thomas Tuchel is leading the race to become the next England manager, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's glowing praise offers a little window as to why.

It is understood The FA have held talks with the ex-Chelsea manager, and now view him as their top choice. This is despite ongoing reports linking Guardiola, among others, to the role. Tuchel, who has been without a club since his departure from Bayern Munich last season, has openly expressed an eagerness to return to management in England and is understood to be very open to becoming Three Lions boss.

The 51-year-old, who is also being heavily linked with Manchester United, enjoyed a trophy-laden 19-month tenure at Stamford Bridge, culminating in a Champions League victory at the end of the 2020/21 season – an impressive feat considering his team overcame Premier League champions Manchester City in the Porto final.

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In fact, Chelsea beat City twice within a month leading up to the final, something which clearly made an impact on Guardiola. In 2022, the City head coach lauded Tuchel, and even claimed the German had helped him develop as a manager.

"He's so creative," Guardiola, 53, said. "[He is] one of the few managers I learn constantly from to develop as a better manager.

"[He is] excellent in all departments. I enjoyed him since he was in Mainz. I enjoy watching his teams and the way he's playing and the approach. He makes world football better. When you find a manager who always wants to be positive in the way they play, it's good."

Ahead of the 2021 Champions League final,