Key Takeaways:
- Hans-Joachim Watzke revealed that Borussia Dortmund made an error in dismissing Thomas Tuchel in 2017
- Tuchel departed from Dortmund after guiding the club to DFB Pokal victory but amid strained relations following the team bus bombing incident
- Since his exit, Tuchel has managed PSG, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and is currently in charge of England, claiming major trophies at each club
Background to Tuchel’s Departure
During a recent interview with Sport Bild, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke conceded that the club’s decision to remove Thomas Tuchel from his position in 2017 was a misjudgement. That year, Tuchel had steered Dortmund to DFB Pokal success. However, following the traumatic attack on the team coach prior to a Champions League fixture against AS Monaco, tensions rapidly escalated between Tuchel and the club’s hierarchy.
The breakdown in relations was intensified when Tuchel elected to proceed with the rescheduled Champions League tie, which Dortmund subsequently lost. Disagreements over transfer policy – including both outgoing and incoming players – contributed further to the rift between Watzke and the manager.
⚫️🟡 In an interview with Sport Bild, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted the club made a mistake in dismissing Thomas Tuchel in 2017:
"Looking back: I don't think things would have come to this without the attack (the bus attack before a Champions League game… pic.twitter.com/kKRr2IjbMK
— Get German Football News (@GGFN_) November 19, 2025
Watzke’s Candid Admission
On revisiting the choice to part company with Tuchel, Watzke stated:
“Looking back: I don’t think things would have come to this without the attack. And in retrospect, I have to say: I probably wouldn’t dismiss Thomas Tuchel today. But back then, we had torn each other apart so much because of this issue that things probably wouldn’t have turned out well on a human level.”
Tuchel’s Managerial Success Since Dortmund
In the years following his departure from Dortmund, Thomas Tuchel has taken charge at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and currently leads the England national team. He has collected major accolades during each of his club appointments, including appearances in the Champions League final with both PSG and Chelsea. Notably, he delivered Chelsea an unexpected Champions League triumph and captured the Bundesliga title while at Bayern Munich.
As England manager, Tuchel now faces the challenge of securing a World Cup win and ending a 60-year streak without major silverware for the men’s side.
| Club/National Team | Role | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | Manager | DFB Pokal (2017) |
| Paris Saint-Germain | Manager | Champions League Finalist |
| Chelsea | Manager | Champions League Winner |
| Bayern Munich | Manager | Bundesliga Champion |
| England | Head Coach | Seeking England’s first World Cup since 1966 |
