Harry Kane has opened up about what “straight-talking” Thomas Tuchel is like to work with.
Tuchel was Kane’s head coach at Bayern Munich last term and will link back up with the England captain when, on January 1, he assumes his new role as the permanent England manager.
Kane shared a good relationship with Tuchel when he was Bayern manager, and the England skipper has revealed he is looking forward to reuniting with the German.
“It was a surprise when it got announced,” Kane said. “After he left Bayern, I just assumed he would go back into another club. I have worked closely with him and I know how good he can be.
“I think he really enjoys working with English players. I think he likes the mentality of English players.
“Whether it’s videos or speeches, or whatever, he’s a really good motivator. And tactically he’s known for being one of the best. It will be interesting for him because he will experience only having 10-day camps and then not seeing us for a few months.
“Talking to the boys who worked with him at Chelsea, they seemed to get on well with him. He gets that balance right of having a bit of banter […], but when you’re on the pitch it is full focus.”
Kane also spoke about Tuchel’s assertive nature, saying: “He won’t shy away from confrontation if need be. I think he will be very straight-talking in the media. But he will always protect his players.
“He is pretty straight in how he talks, and maybe there were some players who didn’t like that or agree with that [at Bayern]. Probably come March there will be players who might disagree with some things. Time will tell, but I am looking forward to reuniting with him.
“[His assistant, Anthony] Barry was really good for me at Bayern. It is a great opportunity for him [Tuchel] to do something special, something that’s never been done before. I’m sure he’s looking forward to the challenge.”
Kane added: “We know Gareth had a great way of keeping everyone together, but they are different in the way they approach training and tactically. Everyone has their own way of doing things.”
Asked whether England fans will take to their new German manager, Kane replied: “It will be results-dependent. We all want to win. I think he gives us a great opportunity to do that with his history in the Champions Leagues and big competitions.
“In 19 months, if we win the World Cup together I don’t think anyone’s going to have a problem with him.
“His playing style suits tournament football. The way he sets up, the way he thinks about the little details in games, can have a big difference. The FA have gone away and looked at whey think is going to be best for us to win the World Cup and when you look at the people out there, he was definitely right at the top of the list.”
