After a season starting at full pelt, football takes its time to reflect

The Independent’s football newsletter [View in browser]( [The Independent]( September 09, 2022 [The Independent]( Miguel Delaney's Reading the Game Written by Miguel Delaney   After a season starting at full pelt, football takes its time to reflect   The game was naturally reluctant to rush its response Although sports had naturally attempted to plan for Thursday’s solemn news, the Queen’s passing is of course a development of such historic depth that it was a difficult day for football bodies, even from an organisational perspective. The official advice for a period of mourning is that it is left to every individual body, but this obviously couldn’t be treated the same. The various sports initially met on Thursday to discuss collective responses. Although there were logistical pressures to consider, the majority felt it would be wrong to disrupt news of the Queen’s passing with news about fixtures. The belief was it was better for the nation to mourn at that moment. It was why all waited until a 9.30am call on Friday with the Department of Culture, Sport and Media, leading to their decision. Tuchel's sacking a shock but not a surprise In more trivial matters of the game itself, one widespread reaction within football to Thomas Tuchel’s sacking has been how rare it is for such developments to genuinely come out of the blue. Nobody expected the German’s dismissal after the 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, not least Tuchel himself. He is said to have genuinely been shocked. That isn’t to say it wasn’t expected at some point soon, though. It was really only the speed of the decision that stunned, rather than the call itself. As recently as 29 August, involved sources were saying he “wouldn’t see Christmas”, such was the growing aggravation with how Tuchel was conducting himself. He was dismissive of discussions about transfers, but would then complain when decisions were made he didn’t like. It is basically why Tuchel has had the career he has: all the hallmarks of a tactical genius, but without the success he should have had, because he can be so difficult. That explains the fact most of the Chelsea squad were not unhappy to see him leave. Some had tuned out. Others were disappointed, it must be said, especially some of the new signings. The hierarchy acknowledged that in a team meeting shortly after the sacking - which is said to have been swift and definitive - before explaining it to senior players. Tuchel’s legacy shouldn’t be disputed, though. He will naturally go down as one of the club’s greatest ever managers, by virtue of having delivered the Champions League. It similarly means he won’t be long out of a job - depending on what he wants. Tuchel himself has privately wondered whether he would better enjoy life outside the super-clubs, where players are more malleable. A coach Chelsea had long looked at It has now become obvious that the new Chelsea owners were thinking of changing manager for weeks, and they were thinking of Graham Potter as far back as June. It wasn’t because they were worried about Tuchel then, but rather that they started to put in place long-term plans for the club, as well as necessary alternate options. They canvassed a lot of authorities in the game, and the name of Potter kept coming up. There is similarly a sense that Chelsea don’t want to get on the usual carousel when it comes to big-name coaches. That is something that many football figures believe has become a problem at the top end of the game, since the gap between the super clubs and the rest is now so great. Chelsea want to look beyond that, and change the culture of the club. A different direction on the south coast Many are very interested in what Brighton do next, as much because they are such insightful spotters of real coaching talent. The choice of Potter proved inspired. Many see Ange Postecoglou as the obvious choice, but it is currently seen as unlikely he would leave Celtic this early and in a Champions League season. Again, however, a direct offer can change minds. One potential option could be Steve Cooper. He is on Brighton’s long list, and there is a feeling he would at least be open-minded about an approach. Brighton have certainly proven they’re a more stable club than Nottingham Forest. Liverpool's main issue may be most obvious There are all manner of problems at Liverpool, as Jurgen Klopp has acknowledged. Some see a primary issue as the early pre-season, combined with the intense schedule, given how it has all disrupted the German’s usually meticulous conditioning plans. Whatever the truth, the effect can certainly be seen in Liverpool’s running stats, and their basic laxness on the pitch. Beyond that, though, many see a quite basic problem. Sadio Mane had become a genuinely world-class player and they haven’t yet replaced him. It is said to have been something that people within the club are gradually realising. They don't have that outlet, that impact. Darwin Nunez is good, but he’s still potential, and requires adaptation. It is far from the only problem, of course, but it is one that ripples out.   Top stories [Which sporting events have been affected following the death of the Queen?]( [Graham Potter to have input in Chelsea’s search for ‘world class’ sporting director](   Miguel's Dispatches The football world is now so globalised that it is rare to be taken aback by an atmosphere, especially in a British stadium, or in the Champions League… but that was exactly how I felt at Celtic Park. It was my first trip to the stadium for a European game, and it probably helped that it was Celtic’s first match in the competition for five years, and that against the most storied club in its history in Real Madrid - as well as the defending champions. The response to the Champions League anthem was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, the long roar among the loudest I’ve heard. It is what these nights should be about, a celebration of life.   Quote of the day "Chelsea Football Club part company with Thomas Tuchel." The simple statement that announced an increasingly rare football story that genuinely took people by surprise   Reading the game quiz Since 2000, the so-called “big six”, have together appointed just nine managers direct from clubs below them in the English structure. Graham Potter is the latest. Name the other eight. Note, the coaches must have been “promoted” from a permanent managerial job elsewhere, so neither Nuno Espirito Santo at Tottenham Hotspur nor Mikel Arteta count, since the former was out of contract and the latter just an assistant. ([You can find out the answers here](. The answer page will be updated weekly and contains answers from previous newsletters, too)   INDYBEST /BEST SPORTS BUY](   8 best foam rollers to help speed up exercise recovery Pushing for the burn? These accessories will help you limber up and ease sore muscles [Click here for our reviews](     Essential reading [Mikel Arteta’s single most crucial job is ensuring Arsenal have learned how to overcome setbacks](   [Psychology, pressing and shapeshifting: What Graham Potter will bring to Chelsea](   If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. 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