Manchester United defender Harry Maguire’s decision to go public with his “shock and disappointment” on social media after being informed of his non-selection on Thursday drew criticism from some fans and pundits, who suggested the experienced defender should have waited for the official announcement before speaking out.
But other players, who did not publicly comment while still passing on news about their own situations, would have been fully aware the information would leak.
Tuchel’s predecessor Gareth Southgate was praised throughout his tenure for generating an atmosphere of unity in his squad and restoring the positive relationship between the players and the public.
The first three players whose absence from the squad began to be leaked to journalists – Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer – were all previously favourites of Southgate’s.
So does the fact that some players went rogue undermine Tuchel’s authority or suggest some kind of disunity?
The German expressed evident displeasure with Maguire’s reaction.
“It was not necessary to make it public,” Tuchel told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.
“I [already] knew about his reaction, about his feelings about it. It didn’t help, but I understand the disappointment and respect him a lot as a player.
“[Leaks] are just the nature of these times. We called the majority of the players yesterday [Thursday]. Players are disappointed and they talk of course and then too many people know, too many people want to know.
“We would have even liked to inform them earlier but we paid a lot of respect to the FA Cup final and Aston Villa in the Europa League final.”
