Pep Guardiola's 15-word statement on England target Thomas Tuchel speaks volumes

Thomas Tuchel has reportedly emerged as the for the job, and judging by comments it's little wonder.

According to , the FA have with the former boss and consider him their number one target, despite ongoing links to Guardiola himself. , who has been out of work since leaving at the end of last season, has made no secret of again and is reportedly very open to taking the reins at St George's Park.

The German, 51, enjoyed a stellar 19-month stint at Stamford Bridge, which began with him guiding the club to glory at the end of the 2020/21 season. The triumph was particularly impressive given his side beat champions in the final in Porto.

In fact, Chelsea beat them twice in the space of a month in the run-up to the showpiece, something which clearly left a lasting impression on City boss Guardiola. Speaking in 2022, the Spaniard waxed lyrical about Tuchel, insisting he'd become "a better manager" by studying his methods.

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"He's so creative," Guardiola, 53, beamed. "[He is] one of the few managers I learn constantly from to develop as a better manager.

"[He is] excellent in all departments. I enjoyed him since he was in Mainz. I enjoy watching his teams and the way he's playing and the approach. He makes football better. When you find a manager who always wants to be positive in the way they play, it's good."

Ahead of the 2021 Champions League final, Guardiola explained why Tuchel's Blues were so formidable. "Why Chelsea play so good? Because they have three central defenders close, the two holding midfielders who move in relation are close, the pockets are close, the striker and the two [others in attack] are so, so close. The distances are so close, and at the same time they are so wide with the wing backs, they are so good with the ball in behind.

"That’s why you cannot be close because they push you [out wide] and they have a lot of good players in the middle. That’s why it’s difficult to face teams who want the ball and want to play with the ball. We’ve tried to do it since day one."

aren't the only ones looking snap Tuchel up. , who are expected to part ways with Erik ten Hag if their dismal early-season form fails to improve, were in talks with him and are expected to if Ten Hag is indeed axed.

Should they be beaten to the punch, the FA could turn their attention back to Guardiola who, according to reports, was the their first choice to replace to following Euro 2024.

Guardiola's City contract expires at the end of the season, and the former boss is currently mulling over his future. Talks over an extension are currently shelved, however, City chiefs are keen for him to make a decision so they can start planning for the 2025/26 campaign.

It's understood that the FA made an enquiry into Guardiola's availability after Southgate resigned, but no further progress has been made since. Elsewhere, the likes of Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are reportedly being considered.

FA technical director, John McDermott, is known to want a coach with a proven track record of winning trophies, hence Tuchel and Guardiola being high on the organisation's wish-list.

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