'Tuchel deserves unconditional support'

Guardiola dismisses criticism of the German's appointment as the England manager

LONDON:

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists new England manager Thomas Tuchel deserves to be supported "unconditionally" after criticism of the Football Association's decision to hire a foreign coach.

The German is the third non-English coach to take charge of the Three Lions, with his appointment sparking an intense debate over whether the role should have gone to a homegrown manager. Tuchel, who will officially start the England job on January 1, jokingly apologised for having a German passport at his unveiling press conference on Wednesday and admitted he is yet to decide whether to sing the national anthem before matches.

The most patriotic sections of England's fanbase have accused the FA of betraying their heritage by hiring the former Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss.

But Guardiola is adamant it does not matter where a national team manager is born, because the criticism will be just as fierce for a homegrown boss if results go badly.

"We don't decide where we're born. Mum and dad decide that and nine months later we're here. I didn't decide to be Catalan, you don't decide to be English. The federation decide for a foreign manager with a great record. My view is I would support him unconditionally," Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

"If he wins he will be praised and if he loses he will be destroyed. But it doesn't matter his nationality."

Guardiola had been strongly linked with the England job himself, with reports claiming he was approached by the FA after Southgate quit following the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain in July.

Asked if he had spoken to the FA, the Spaniard refused to answer, instead saying: "Thomas Tuchel is the manager, so forget about it. I am the manager of Manchester City. This is the most important thing. The rest is not important."

England's previous three permanent managers had been homegrown, with Gareth Southgate following Sam Allardyce and Roy Hodgson in the job.

Italian Fabio Capello was England's last foreign coach from 2008 to 2012, while Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson managed the Three Lions from 2001 to 2006.

"I know we are proud of where we are from, but the world is so big. You have to be open-minded," said Guardiola. "I don't like that people criticise just because somebody is born in a different place."

Guardiola's view may have been coloured by his acknowledgement on Friday that he will be interested in international management when he eventually leaves City. The 53-year-old's future with the Premier League champions remains uncertain, with his contract due to expire at the end of this season.

A report this week said Guardiola could sign a contract extension even if City loses their ongoing legal battle against alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

But, ahead of Sunday's trip to bottom-of-the-table Wolves, Guardiola once again demurred when pressed on his future plans.

"I have to decide. I said many times. I didn't take a decision already. When I take a decision I will inform you, 100 percent. My only concern is Wolves," he said.

"I'm pretty sure the club have options when Pep will leave. Sooner or later it will happen and they have to prepare. It will not be a surprise."

Saka's injury is not serious, says Arteta

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka's injury is not serious and they are hopeful he will be available for their Premier League trip to Bournemouth on Saturday after picking up a problem on England duty, manager Mikel Arteta has said.

The 23-year-old was forced off during England's shock 2-1 loss to Greece in the Nations League at Wembley last week with a slight hamstring issue. Saka returned to Arsenal for further assessment, missing England's 3-1 win away to Finland.

Saka has scored two goals and provided seven assists in seven Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season. "(Saka) is not a serious injury," Arteta told reporters on Friday.

"He is evolving really well. He has done a few things in the last two days. He wasn't fit enough to play with the national team in the second game, but we are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon. He did some bits yesterday, let's see if he can make it on time."