Eddie Howe and Carlo Ancelotti say they were not contacted by FA about England job | Football News
Eddie Howe and Carlo Ancelotti have revealed they were not contacted by the FA ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager, while Pep Guardiola refused to say whether he had conversations about the role.
On Wednesday, FA CEO Mark Bullingham said the search to find a permanent successor had involved the FA interviewing “approximately 10 people”, adding: “We interviewed some English candidates within that.”
However, when Howe – one of only four English head coaches in the Premier League and currently the highest-placed with Newcastle – said when asked if he was one of the managers interviewed for the England job: “No, I wasn’t.”
When pressed on if there was any contact from the FA, he added: “No.”
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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe confirms that the FA did not contact him regarding the replacement of Gareth Southgate at England and says Thomas Tuchel is a great appointment
When asked if he was surprised he wasn’t contacted, Howe said: “Absolutely not. I think England have to do what is right for them and only they will know the processes they have gone through and the decisions they have made, and I’m certainly not the type of person that is going to analyse that.
“For me, it’s about Newcastle and trying to win games, and it is hard enough to do that if you are 100 per cent focussed. I will always remain that way to my work.
“But I know if you drop your levels or your focus the job becomes impossible, and at no stage have I allowed myself to do that.”
Real Madrid boss Ancelotti was also asked whether he was a candidate. “No. I didn’t hear from the English national team at all,” he said. “They’ve chosen a very good coach, in my opinion. He’s very strong tactically and he has proven so throughout his whole career. I wish him the best.”
Guardiola, meanwhile, avoided answering whether he had contact with the FA.
“Thomas Tuchel is the manager. I congratulate them. The FA and Thomas for a big job. I wish England – for the fact I am nine years here – the very best for both of them,” he said.
Guardiola then appeared frustrated when he was asked again about contact with the FA. “Thomas Tuchel is the manager. So forget about it,” he said. “I am the manager of Man City. The conversations I have is with Man City. This is what it is.
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Pep Guardiola showed his support for new England manager Thomas Tuchel after criticism from many for being the third foreign England manager
“Tuchel is the manager already. Thomas is there. This is the most important thing. The rest is not important.”
On Thursday, Everton boss Sean Dyche confirmed he was not one of the 10 candidates.
“It’s a respected job but I don’t think it’s a dream, having spoken to a few England managers – it’s a massively challenging job and changed over the years.
“It’s certainly something that at some point of your career you’d like to have a look at. But it’s certainly not my time now – for lots of coaches.”
Howe: Tuchel a great appointment
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe:
“Speaking about Thomas himself, I’ve got a relationship with him. I was lucky enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work. What a brilliant guy. What a great person and a great coach.
“I had two days with him and thought it was fascinating and I really enjoyed his company.
“I really wish him well. I think he’s a great appointment and I hope he leads England to many trophies.
“I have always said, and I have been very clear on this, my preference would be for an English coach, but if you are going to go for foreign, go for one of the best and I certainly think Thomas is that.”
