Kyle Walker says Chelsea’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League final is one of the main reasons why he rates Thomas Tuchel so highly.
There has been some consternation among England fans that a German has been appointed the national team coach but, speaking on his BBC podcast, Walker said:
“I can understand the English public thinking it should be an English manager taking control of the national team. But for me it’s about who is going to get the results, he has proven at big clubs that he can manage big players with big characters, the likes of PSG. He went to Chelsea and won the Champions League against Manchester City, that is one that sticks firmly in my mind.”
“It is a great appointment and it is an even better appointment if he puts me in the team again! I think it is a great appointment but the proof is in the pudding, we need to do it as a set of players.”
City’s defeat in 2021 had just as much to do with Guardiola’s tactics
While Walker may not want to admit it, many believe that the Cityzens lost the final due to the system that manager Pep Guardiola deployed.
He opted to start the game without a recognised striker, with Kevin De Bruyne in the false nine position. The tactic did not pay off as City lost the game 1-0, with Kai Havertz scoring the winner.
Walker is not retiring from international football
Based on the fullback’s remarks, it appears that he is still keen to play for England despite now being 34 years of age. Some City fans would probably prefer him to retire so he can concentrate on his club.
Of course, if Tuchel doesn’t pick him, Walker may have less kind words to say about the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager in the future.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
