Thomas Tuchel has thrown his support behind the Football Association's tough stance towards Gianni Infantino, days after FA chair Debbie Hewitt wrote to the FIFA President demanding answers over the World Cup sell-off plan and clarity on why USMNT striker Folarin Balogun's one-game ban was suspended.
The England manager framed his backing of the FA as a form of repayment, pointing to how his own bosses stood by him throughout the World Cup.
Tuchel on backing the FA
"I felt the full support from all my bosses through the World Cup, through the whole tournament," Tuchel said, via The Mirror. "There was a moment, a very special moment before the Mexico game where we had a talk and my bosses told me: 'We know that anything can happen in a football match and we know that anything can happen in a match in Mexico in a World Cup, but don't worry, we see what's going on and we want to continue like this.' This was a beautiful moment for me as a coach."
Tuchel went on to explain why he felt compelled to return that support. "I just told you how I am backed from my bosses, so it's the minimum I can do is back my bosses, I would say. So they have my full support on that and I back their opinion."
His comments suggest his voice will carry weight among the wider UEFA protest against Infantino.
A promise for Kobbie Mainoo
Away from the Infantino row, Tuchel has made a personal guarantee to Kobbie Mainoo after leaving the Manchester United midfielder without a single minute at the World Cup this summer.
The England boss says he feels a duty to get Mainoo on the pitch in at least one of the upcoming four UEFA Nations League fixtures, having called him back into the squad.
"I expect him to be on the pitch and it's my duty to put him on the pitch," Tuchel said. "That was totally on me, he did not put a foot wrong at the World Cup. He was class in behavior and on the training pitch."
Tuchel explained the selection dilemma that left Mainoo out during the tournament. "It was a big competition. We also played Reecey in midfield, Elliot Anderson is fantastic, Declan Rice is a very unique player. So we trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie."
He also revealed that an injury denied Mainoo a chance to feature even in the third-place play-off against France. "It was difficult for him, difficult for me. He got injured before the France game so we could not even give him minutes there which hurt me. Maybe he was more hurt but it was my responsibility."
