Emma Hayes, the highly successful former manager of Chelsea Women, has issued a strong endorsement of Thomas Tuchel's coaching prowess, urging the public not to underestimate his potential impact as England's head coach. Hayes, who worked alongside Tuchel during his tenure at Chelsea, described him as an "elite coach" and one of her two favourite managers during her 12 years at the club, alongside Mauricio Pochettino.
Hayes highlighted Tuchel's exceptional communication skills, his demanding nature, and his ability to articulate his vision clearly and concisely to both the media and his players. She lauded his methodical, inspirational, and detailed approach, having witnessed his work firsthand in training sessions. "He’s honest with his players and very direct. He doesn’t waste time – this is business, this is serious – but he’s also a fantastic guy," Hayes commented, praising his warmth and the strong relationships he built with Chelsea staff.
Reflecting on Tuchel's recent 26-player squad announcement for the World Cup, Hayes stated that she knows how meticulously he approaches every decision, describing him as a coach who will "die on his sword." She suggested that public discourse often focuses too heavily on players left out, rather than understanding the coach's strategic intent. Hayes believes Tuchel has identified a core group of 14 or 15 players who will be central to almost every game, with any changes to the starting XI likely coming from within this established group.
The selection process, according to Hayes, is never a quick one for a coach of Tuchel's calibre. It begins with his desired game model, considering which players can cope with the demands of the tournament, including environmental factors like humidity and heat. England's flawless qualification campaign, which saw them win all eight matches without conceding a single goal, has provided Tuchel with ample opportunity to thoroughly assess his players in an international environment, beyond their club performances.
While acknowledging the disappointment of players being left out, Hayes did express some surprise regarding the omission of Cole Palmer. She suggested that Palmer's "magic" could have been beneficial, particularly in the absence of players like Jack Grealish and Phil Foden. However, she ultimately understands Tuchel's decision, noting that he is very clear on the specific player profiles he seeks, including ensuring the squad is adept at set pieces, which will be a significant factor in the tournament.