England coach sacked over Christmas was left ‘sad and angry’ at losing his job
The England boss had a festive season to forget.
How did Tuchel’s achievements at PSG compare to his sacking?
Which other coaches faced sackings in 2025?
Thomas Tuchel will be hoping for a peaceful Christmas break as the England manager prepares to map out the Three Lions’ World Cup strategy. Following the group stage draw, Tuchel’s squad will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in their opening fixtures.
Whilst the German will no doubt want to savour the festive season, he may well be switching his mobile off, mindful of the painful memory of being dismissed by former employers Paris Saint-Germain on Christmas Eve in 2020. The 52-year-old arrived in the French capital in 2018, securing consecutive Ligue 1 championships, the Coupe de France, and guiding PSG to the Champions League final in 2020. Despite these achievements, the German tactician’s position became untenable following several disputes with senior figures at the club.
The official announcement of his dismissal was delayed by several days. When it eventually came, PSG stated that Tuchel had been removed following an “in-depth analysis of its sporting situation”.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “I would like to thank Thomas Tuchel and his staff for everything they brought to the club. Thomas has put a lot of energy and passion into his work, and of course we will remember the good times we shared together. I wish him the best for his future.
“We missed winning the Champions League by one match,” Tuchel reflected on his spell at the Parc des Princes. “And we never had the feeling that we had convinced people and that they recognised our performance. Sometimes that makes you a little sad or angry.”
Tuchel felt hard done by after his axe in the French capital (Image: Getty)
He continued: “During the first six months I was asking myself, ‘Am I still a coach or a minister of sport?'” PSG ultimately decided to bring in former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino as Tuchel’s replacement, whilst Christophe Galtier and Luis Enrique have subsequently taken charge in the French capital. Tuchel, meanwhile, has experienced quite the rollercoaster ride since departing France.
His stint at Chelsea proved highly successful, culminating in Champions League glory amongst other silverware, before facing dismissal once more. Bayern Munich became his next destination, where he clinched the Bundesliga title, only to suffer yet another sacking.
Tuchel took up the England manager’s position at the beginning of this year and has guided the Three Lions through an impeccable qualifying run for the 2026 World Cup. Barring any dramatic developments, he appears certain to remain in post through Christmas this time.
