Since taking the helm as England manager, Thomas Tuchel has become a familiar name, often recognized for his intense presence on the sidelines. However, beyond his on-field persona, Tuchel leads a life with diverse interests and a personal history that offers a different perspective.
Tuchel has developed a fondness for exploring London's pubs, with The Devonshire near Piccadilly Circus being a particular favorite. While managing Chelsea, he began to appreciate British beverages like Guinness. A former colleague noted Tuchel's enjoyment of discovering local pubs, observing that he was once less recognized but now finds it more challenging as his public profile has risen.
A Different Persona Off the Field
Away from the pressures of football, Tuchel presents a more introspective side. He identifies as an "imperfect vegetarian" and finds significant enjoyment in reading, particularly books on architecture and design. His preferred title is "The Inner Game Of Tennis" by Timothy Gallwey, a book focused on overcoming mental challenges. Music also plays a significant role in his life, a passion that dates back to his student days in Stuttgart in the late 1990s.
Early Influences and Career Beginnings
Born in Krumbach, Bavaria, Tuchel's early football career was cut short by a knee injury in 1998. To fund his economics degree, he worked as a glass collector at the fashionable Radio Bar in Stuttgart, which was at the heart of Germany's emerging hip-hop scene. This period allowed him to connect with musicians, including hip-hop artist Max Herre. He is a known fan of the band Oasis, having been seen singing along at a concert at Wembley Stadium. His support for "Wonderwall" becoming an England anthem reflects this appreciation.
Tuchel's experiences in the hospitality industry, including his time behind the bar at Radio Bar, taught him valuable lessons in humility and determination. He later transitioned into coaching, starting with a youth team at VfB Stuttgart in 2000, marking the beginning of his managerial career.
Intellectual Pursuits and Personal Life
Tuchel possesses an intellectual curiosity that extends beyond football. During a sabbatical in 2014, he engaged with an 80-year-old man at a local swimming pool, whose knowledge of art inspired Tuchel to visit Vienna to view works by Pieter Bruegel. During his tenure at Chelsea, he was observed with one of his daughters at the Natural History Museum in London, captivated by the exhibits. He has also visited galleries specializing in film posters and memorabilia, with one gallery noting his ability to "see the art in film as much as football."
In his personal life, Tuchel married journalist Sissi in 2009, and they had two daughters, Emma and Kim. The couple divorced in 2022, with court documents citing irreconcilable differences. At the time of the divorce, while unsubstantiated rumors circulated, court papers indicated his ex-wife "could not reasonably be expected to stay with him," though no details of infidelity were disclosed.
More recently, Tuchel has been reported to be in a relationship with Natalie Max, a Brazilian business consultant and mother of two. The couple resides in Paddington, central London, and were seen together on a boat trip in Sardinia in July 2022, shortly after his divorce was finalized. Sources suggest Max prefers a more private life and has not been seen in public with Tuchel at events.