Thomas Tuchel has admitted that he ‘fell out of love with the game’ earlier in his career ahead of taking his England side to the World Cup.
The England manager, who was forced to retire aged 25 due to a knee injury, said he felt that he had been ‘betrayed’ by having to leave the game at such an early age.
Tuchel, who was taking part in the Chase football coaching programme, said: ‘I fell back in love with football because I was out of love as I got injured as a player and I felt betrayed and I felt not happy and fell out of love with the game.
‘It physically hurt me to watch football games and then I fell back in love because I was close, I smelled the grass, I was close to the game again and felt that I have a talent.
‘The biggest enjoyment is to actually be on the pitch, smell the grass, see the ball and see the quality of the players. That’s really enjoyable, that’s my happy place.’
After retiring, Tuchel has had successful managerial spells at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich before taking over the England manager role.
Thomas Tuchel will be hoping to lead his England team to success at the World Cup
The England manager will be hoping for more success with England, who take on New Zealand and Costa Rica in friendlies before their opening Group L game against Croatia on June 17.
As part of the Chase football coaching programme, Tuchel was also quizzed by Starz Academy U-11s, and he reflected on the experience.
‘Well, there were some crazy questions about, like, engagement and mental preparation, so good.
‘It’s good that they dare to ask what’s on their mind and it’s nice to have this discussion with them, and help them and hopefully inspire them a little bit’.
