Harry Redknapp has blasted the Football Association for appointing a foreign manager after Thomas Tuchel was confirmed as England manager earlier today.
Redknapp managed seven English sides during his career and was heavily linked with the England job in 2012 himself after Three Lions boss Fabio Capello walked away from the role in 2012.
Capello is one of just two foreign managers who has led the national team prior to Tuchel's appointment, with the late Sven Goran Eriksson the only other example of an overseas figure in the dugout.
Redknapp was Tottenham’s manager at the time he was linked with the position and led them to a fourth-place finish that season.
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BBC Sport reported that England stars Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and legends Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer put Redknapp’s name forward. The idea of managing the national team and Spurs simultaneously was even suggested but no such move materialised.
Roy Hodgson was subsequently announced as England manager in May 2012.
In 2016, Redknapp finally secured his first international role when he was appointed as Jordan boss. However, he oversaw just two games before leaving the role.
And having heard the news of Tuchel’s appointment, Redknapp gave his thoughts on having a German as England manager.
Speaking to Sky Sports, it is fair to say Redknapp is not entirely convinced by Tuchel’s record and is one of several pundits who has questioned the logic of hiring someone from abroad.
“He’s lost his job quite quickly at a couple of clubs,” explained Redknapp.
"It’s not like he’s been a massive success. He’s come and gone at a couple of clubs. I’m very patriotic, I think we should have an English manager, but obviously, the field was very small to choose from.”
Despite Redknapp’s reservations over Tuchel, the German’s career trophy haul speaks for itself. He boasts two Ligue 1 crowns, a Bundesliga, several domestic cup competitions and the Champions League and Club World Cup from his spell at Chelsea.
Several English candidates were linked with the role, including Eddie Howe and Graham Potter. The main other foreign bosses linked were Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
Redknapp also explained the differences between club and international management.
"It's not like Jurgen Klopp, who went to Liverpool and was a great success and stayed for many years,” said Redknapp.
“You need to have a little bit of common sense, pick the right players, pick the right positions, make them feel great about themselves, make them feel great about playing for the best country in the world," he added.
"That's what it is. How long do you get to work with them? You don't really get a chance to work with them - it's not like you're coaching them. Lee Carsley said he had about 20 minutes to work on a system - that's about what you get to work on a bit of shape, patterns of play."
Topics: England, Harry Redknapp, Thomas Tuchel, Premier League, Wayne Rooney, Chelsea
Luke Davies