In a bold first move, England’s incoming manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly tapped former Chelsea goalkeeping coach Hilario to join his backroom staff. According to inside sources, the 49-year-old Hilario has already resigned from his long-time post at Stamford Bridge to link up with Tuchel once more as the German prepares to take the reins of the Three Lions on January 1st.
The appointment, while not yet officially confirmed by the FA, would see Hilario end an impressive 18-year association with Chelsea. Having initially joined the Blues as a player in 2006, the Portuguese coach transitioned to a backroom role after hanging up his gloves, becoming an integral part of the club’s coaching setup.
Reuniting a Winning Partnership
Tuchel and Hilario are no strangers to working together, having shared a successful stint at Chelsea before the German’s shock dismissal in September. The opportunity to reunite and mold England’s goalkeeping future apparently proved too tempting for Hilario to pass up.
The move sees Hilario join a growing ex-Chelsea contingent in Tuchel’s England staff. Anthony Barry, who served as assistant to Tuchel at both Chelsea and Bayern Munich, has already been confirmed as Tuchel’s right-hand man. Meanwhile, former Blues head of performance analysis James Melbourne has also made the jump to the national team setup.
A Changing of the Guard at Chelsea
Hilario’s departure leaves Chelsea with a goalkeeping coach vacancy, but the club is unlikely to be caught short-handed. With Michele De Bernardin already on the books alongside former keeper Willy Caballero in an assistant role, new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has options as he shapes his own backroom team.
Hilario has been a fantastic servant to Chelsea, both as a player and a coach. His experience and expertise will be hugely valuable to England and Thomas Tuchel going forward.
– A source close to the situation
Diversity Discussions on the Agenda
While Hilario’s appointment appears all but sealed, the FA is reportedly keen to discuss adding a BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) coach to Tuchel’s staff as well. The governing body launched an Elite Coaching Placement Programme with the PFA back in 2018 to increase diversity across all England teams.
Recent temporary moves for Chris Powell, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Ashley Cole have seen the initiative bear fruit. However, with Cole set to return to the U21s alongside interim England boss Lee Carsley, talks over a more permanent diverse presence in Tuchel’s group are on the cards.
The Tuchel Era Takes Shape
As January 1st approaches, the pieces of Thomas Tuchel’s England puzzle are gradually falling into place. With trusted lieutenants Barry and Melbourne already on board and Hilario set to follow, the foundation is being laid for what Three Lions fans will hope is a new era of success.
The coming weeks and months will reveal more about Tuchel’s plans and ambitions for the England hotseat. But if his first moves are any indication, the former Chelsea and PSG boss is wasting no time in surrounding himself with familiar faces as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
For now though, all eyes are on Tuchel and the completion of his coaching dream team. Will Hilario’s arrival be the last piece of the staff puzzle, or are there more surprises in store? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the Thomas Tuchel era is almost upon us, and expectations are high.
