Watzke revealed that Tuchel entered his thoughts after Germany’s disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign. Germany lost to Japan, drew with Spain and beat Costa Rica, but still finished third in their group and missed the knockout stage for a second successive tournament.
“We were eliminated from the Qatar tournament quite miserably,” Watzke said. “And then? Well, you do find yourself thinking - for a night or two - about what might happen next.”
The idea was discussed after the tournament, rather than during the following summer. Ultimately, Hansi Flick remained in charge for Euro 2024, with Watzke stressing that the decision was not his alone and that Oliver Bierhoff was then Germany’s sporting director.
Tuchel’s relationship with Watzke was forged at Dortmund, where he succeeded Jürgen Klopp and delivered an attacking, tactically ambitious side. The partnership eventually broke down, but Watzke insists that personal history did not cloud his judgement when England sought his opinion.
That is significant. Tuchel’s career has included major trophies and elite appointments, but also clashes with executives and players. Watzke’s backing therefore carries weight precisely because their time together did not end smoothly.
Flick’s later move to Barcelona provides another strand to Germany’s coaching story. His Bayern Munich reign established his credentials at the highest level, while his work in Spain has offered a chance to rebuild his reputation after the national-team setback.
Watzke believes that Barcelona has demonstrated Flick’s quality, even as Tuchel has taken on the challenge of leading England.
The next storyline will be whether Tuchel can turn that confidence into sustained success with the Three Lions - and whether Germany eventually look back at the post-Qatar decision as a missed opportunity.