So much so that Tuchel is willing to pass up the chance to return to the club game after the World Cup this summer. AdvertisementIt continues an intriguing trend of elite coaches working in international football earlier in their careers and for longer. If Madrid don’t come calling, would it be a surprise if the Portuguese Football Federation asked him to replace Roberto Martinez after the World Cup? Another former member of Guardiola’s coaching staff, Enzo Maresca, was sacked by Chelsea barely six months after winning the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup. “There is a possibility that I will be tempted to go back to club football,” Tuchel told reporters.

Source: International New York Times February 16, 2026 09:16 UTC