Malta’s Love Affair with Thomas Tuchel

Last Saturday, as I sipped my customary cappuccino at Café Jubilee in Valletta, I couldn’t help but overhear the animated conversation at the next table. The topic? Thomas Tuchel, the German manager who’s been making waves at Chelsea. The locals were abuzz, and it was clear: Tuchel had struck a chord with the Maltese football enthusiasts.

From Paris to London, via Malta

Tuchel’s journey to the Premier League is an interesting one. After guiding Paris Saint-Germain to their first ever Champions League final, he was sacked just eight months later. Then, in January this year, he was appointed Chelsea manager. But why the fascination in Malta? Well, it’s not just about the football.

Malta has a soft spot for underdogs and comebacks. We’ve seen our own fair share of political upsets and economic turnarounds. Tuchel’s story resonates with us. Here’s a man who was unceremoniously dumped by one of the world’s richest clubs, only to resurface and lead another heavyweight to glory.

Tuchel’s Touché Moments

Tuchel’s tenure at Chelsea has been marked by several ‘touché’ moments. His first? Winning the Champions League just seven months after joining the club. It was a sweet revenge, a slap in the face to those who had doubted him. Locals here cheered, not just for Chelsea, but for Tuchel too.

Then there was the Super Cup victory against Villarreal. Chelsea lost the final on penalties, but Tuchel’s reaction was anything but defeatist. He praised his team, saying, “I’m very proud of the performance… It’s a big step for us.” Touché, indeed. He turned a loss into a win, at least in the court of public opinion.

Tuchel’s Malta Connection

But why the love affair with Malta? Tuchel’s not the first high-profile football manager to visit our shores. José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have both been spotted here. But Tuchel’s connection runs deeper. His wife, Sini Tuchel-Schulz, is of Maltese descent. Her family hails from Żebbuġ, a picturesque village in the northwest of the island.

In fact, Tuchel himself has expressed a desire to visit Malta. In an interview with Kicker, he said, “I would love to go to Malta one day. My wife tells me so much about the island and her family.” Touché, indeed. Here’s a man who’s not just winning on the pitch, but also winning hearts off it.