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25th October 2024
10:42am BST
Roy Keane has spoken out against the public reaction to Thomas Tuchel being named as England's new manager.
The ex-Ireland midfielder was critical of his friend and former teammate Gary Neville's very public frustration with the appointment.
Speaking to Sky Sports Football after the news was announced, Neville aired his dismay that the gig ultimately went the way of the German rather than a home-grown coach like Eddie Howe or Graham Potter.
Speaking on this week's episode of Stick To Football, Keane said that he couldn't understand why there was any pushback to one of the most talented coaches in Europe.
"Why are you bothered about where he is from? I don’t get that," the former Sunderland manager said. "If this manager goes on to win the World Cup, think of the knock-on effect it would have for the FA moving forward.
"Are England good enough to win a major tournament? Everyone says England have the players to win these tournaments, but I’m not so sure. I don’t know if they have the players to win it."
He continued: "Go back to the last Euros and where did you watch a game and you can say England’s philosophy is about possession? I don’t see it."
Keane had previously backed Tuchel to replace Erik Ten Hag, telling Sky Bet:
"There has obviously been loads of uncertainty over the club the last few months, that has been sorted out now obviously with the new ownership coming in.
"I'm pretty sure again he [Tuchel] will be able to bring some players in.
"He is a top-quality manager, he has dealt with a lot of issues over the last few months.
"Ultimately it was a disappointing end to the season for them."
The German manager has recruited the services of long-time colleague Anthony Barry as his assistant manager.
Barry previously worked with the German at Chelsea and Bayern Munich. He has spent the last couple of years working as a coach with Portugal under Roberto Martinez and had a spell as Ireland coach under Stephen Kenny.
On taking on the challenge of leading the current crop of England stars to international glory, Barry said: "For any Englishman in football, working with the national team is the pinnacle and I didn’t hesitate when Thomas asked me to come and join him again.
"I know what a great place St. George’s Park is and how much of an advantage it gives our England teams, and the support it gives to coaches.
"This squad is very talented and have done so much to bring the country together, I look forward to meeting and working with them on this exciting project."
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