Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has called on fans to give full backing to Thomas Tuchel after his unveiling as the new manager of England. The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss becomes the first German to manage England and only the third foreigner after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Speaking ahead of City’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Guardiola sought to absolve nationality as a factor in judging Tuchel. “We don’t choose where we are born. The federation decided on a manager with a great record and he deserves support,” said Guardiola.
Success or failure would bring praise or criticism regardless of nationality, he added, as he urged open-mindedness. “The world is so big. You have to be open-minded,” he said.
Guardiola, who had been linked to the England job along with Eddie Howe and Graham Potter, dismissed the rumors: “Thomas Tuchel is the manager, forget about it.”
On City’s match this coming weekend, Guardiola warned that Wolves, though only having a handful of points so far this season, will be tough opponents. He confirmed, meanwhile, that Kevin De Bruyne is still out with a hamstring injury. City are second in the Premier League, a point behind leaders Liverpool.
