Manager Thomas Tuchel did not sing England’s national anthem but was unable to watch his players sing it ahead of England’s 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia.
Thomas Tuchel was irritated by the number of photographers blocking his view of England’s national anthem
Manager Thomas Tuchel was frustrated after he was unable to watch England players sing ‘God Save the King’ because of a swarm of cameramen.
Per official tournament rules, photographers must remain behind the LED advertising boards and are restricted to designated areas behind the goals or adjacent to the team benches.
However, players are allowed to stand along the touchline during the national anthem in order to photograph both teams’ shots before kickoff.
Tuchel was unimpressed by the obstruction, saying: “I have to say, I am begging FIFA to change the position of the cameraman during the national anthem.”
“I couldn’t see my team during the national anthem and I was waiting for this moment. Today was a very special moment. I was standing half a meter away in front of a wall of 50 photographers and I couldn’t see a single player.
“Today spoiled my experience a little bit. It’s very emotional. Even when I was young and started coaching, it was too big for me to dream of having a career like this.”
“I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
As expected, Thomas Tuchel did not sing England’s national anthem
Ahead of the match against Croatia, coach Tuchel made it clear that he had no intention of singing the national anthem himself.
“Not yet,” he declared at team camp in Kansas City. “I don’t think we’re there yet. At the very end (of the tournament), maybe. I’m still a little shy. I don’t want to upset people and I don’t want to focus on that right now.”
He was then asked if he had memorized the words, to which he replied, “It’s not that difficult.”
Asked if he was “British”, he added: “Yes, I feel that way.” I can’t explain it, but my first few weeks at Chelsea were like this. Of course it was a great feeling to be part of the Premier League, both in the countryside and in the city.
“Almost every day has been a gift. I felt like I was in the right place. I can’t say it enough, but I’m grateful. It’s an honor for me to be England’s head coach and there’s no one who would want it more than me.”
“When I land and when I fly back[to the UK]I basically feel like I’m at home. Now I would say, ‘I’m flying home.’ I’m flying home to London. When I land in London and I’m in England, I feel like I’m at home.”
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