Thomas Tuchel’s new England coaching staff received a significant boost with the resignation of Henrique Hilario from Chelsea to join him as the national team’s goalkeeping coach. Hilario’s departure ends his 18-year association with the Blues, where he transitioned from player to coach, working under Tuchel during their successful stint together at Stamford Bridge.
The 49-year-old made 39 appearances for Chelsea and was part of Tuchel’s staff when they won the Champions League in 2021. With Tuchel set to begin his tenure as England head coach on January 1, Hilario’s move comes as part of a reshuffle aimed at streamlining his coaching setup. The Football Association (FA) has yet to officially confirm the full list of Tuchel’s staff, but it is clear that the German manager will be bringing a familiar team to help him achieve success with the national team.
Hilario’s decision to leave Chelsea was reportedly due to the club not permitting him to split his time between his responsibilities with Chelsea and the England job. His resignation follows that of James Melbourne, who was Tuchel’s head of performance analysis at Chelsea and has also moved to join the England setup. Tuchel has long valued these key individuals, and with their experience, he will look to bring his successful coaching methods to the England team.
Under Tuchel, the national team will look to recover from a disappointing exit at the 2022 World Cup under Gareth Southgate. The 50-year-old German has an impressive track record, including winning the Champions League with Chelsea and managing Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain. Tuchel’s experience in managing top-level clubs will be invaluable in his new role as England manager, where expectations are high for international success.
In addition to confirming Hilario’s departure, there have been talks within the FA regarding the inclusion of a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) coach in Tuchel’s staff. This move is in line with the FA’s commitment to increasing diversity and offering more opportunities to underrepresented groups in football. The appointment of Tuchel, a foreign coach, has raised questions regarding the FA’s commitment to diversity, and the inclusion of a BAME coach would show the governing body’s dedication to ensuring opportunities for all aspiring coaches, regardless of background.
Meanwhile, Chelsea is unlikely to replace Hilario immediately. With Enzo Maresca at the helm, the club has two goalkeeping coaches on staff, including Michele De Bernardin, and additional coaching support from Willy Caballero, a former club goalkeeper. Chelsea’s coaching setup is more than equipped to continue their season without immediate replacement, but Hilario’s departure still marks a significant shift for the club, especially with Tuchel’s imminent arrival with the national team.
As Tuchel prepares for his first major role since leaving Chelsea, the success of his England tenure will depend on both the talent within the squad and the efficiency of his coaching team. With Hilario’s experience and the rest of the backroom staff in place, Tuchel looks well-positioned to make an impact from the start of his reign.