Since his appointment at the head of the English selection, Thomas Tuchel has never spared his words. This week, when England had just bowed to Senegal (1-3) in Nottingham, the German technician wanted to express himself on the Jude Bellingham case. If he recognized the talent and the importance of the Real Madrid midfielder, the ex coach of PSG especially mentioned his way of considering the role of the young Englishman in the collective of Three Lions.
During an interview with Talksport, Tuchel did not hesitate to point the finger at certain aspects of the character of Bellingham. According to him, the young Madrid is distinguished by an overflowing energy, a “Flame”
which can sometimes push him to go beyond the limits. Tuchel mentioned several scenes where Bellingham, frustrated by an arbitral decision or by a play action, was too vehement, both towards his opponents and his own teammates. “He has fire, I don't want to turn it off, but he must channel it. Otherwise, this fire may intimidate the partners or turn against him ”, explained the coach, anxious to preserve the balance of the locker room while capitalizing on the fighting spirit of his player.
Tuchel puts pressure on Bellingham
For Tuchel, the challenge lies in the ability to exploit this volcanic temperament without giving way to excess. The former coach of Bayern and Chelsea believes that this rage to defeat is the strength of Bellingham, but also his main weakness. During the defeat against Senegal, it was necessary to intervene to calm the young player, close to exploding after a refused goal. “His fire is what makes him unique, but he must guide him in the right direction, towards victory, and not against the referee or his partners.A remark that translates as much the confidence as the requirement of Tuchel with regard to his environment.
Tuchel reveals the limits of Bellingham temperament
Despite this warning, Tuchel does not hide his optimism for the future. He believes that this “cutting edge”, if it is well used, can help England to cross a CAP during major competitions. With already an experience in the Euro final and in the World Cup semi-finals, Three Lions can rely on talents like Bellingham to aim above. But provided that the entire workforce draws in the same direction, without giving in to internal tensions.
Thomas Tuchel concludes on a note of hope: each match, each defeat, must serve as a teaching to build a more solid, more united team. The example Bellingham shows how much modern football requires technical and physical qualities, but also a foolproof self -control. It remains to be seen whether the young prodigy will be able to cross this psychological level to become, as Tuchel wishes, the engine of England for the coming years.
