The recent exit of Die Mannschaft from the World Cup might have dampened spirits in Germany, but in Bavaria, there’s a sense of pride as they rally behind Thomas Tuchel, the English national team's manager. At 52, Tuchel stands out as one of the most accomplished coaches in the tournament, having led teams like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain to domestic glory and winning the Champions League with Chelsea. His remarkable journey began at FC Augsburg II, where he started coaching in the fifth tier of German football.

Tuchel’s early coaching days shaped future talents, including Julian Nagelsmann, and his attention to detail became legendary. Michael Ströll, now the CEO of FC Augsburg, reminisces, "Thomas was a nerd... so detailed, so ambitious." Ströll, who began as an intern at Augsburg, never anticipated Tuchel's rise to elite leagues.

Despite the lack of resources in the lower leagues, Tuchel's tactical obsession flourished. He relied on paper and pens, showcasing a keen ability to adapt even without modern data. Benjamin Weber, Tuchel's longtime assistant, emphasized his brilliance, stating, "He's really a brain of football."

Tuchel's success led him to Mainz, where he continued to innovate, and later to Chelsea, where he faced the chaos of sanctions on the club. Weber learned invaluable lessons during their time at Stamford Bridge, particularly the importance of adaptation in an ever-changing environment.

Now, with Sandro Wagner sacked and Manuel Baum leading Augsburg to a strong Bundesliga finish, the influence of Tuchel remains evident. Ströll reflects on Tuchel's foresight, reminding everyone that in football, always thinking several steps ahead is crucial.

As the World Cup progresses, a small corner of Augsburg roots for Tuchel, hoping he can lead England to victory. Weber believes, "He would deserve this much more than many other head coaches."