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His first managerial role came in 2007 at FC Augsburg II and two years later he was in charge of Bundesliga outfit Mainz, who had Jurgen Klopp among their former bosses.

In five years at Mainz, he qualified for Europe twice, guiding them to fifth in 2010-11, their best ever Bundesliga position.

Apart from his almost five-year spell at Mainz, all of Tuchel's jobs have followed a similar pattern – successful, but not in the same role for long.

"Thomas is not an easy person, or easy to deal with, but all good coaches are complicated," said Christian Heidel, Mainz's long-time executive and sporting director, in 2021.

And when he does return, the former Mainz and Lyon striker said he will wear a face mask while the stitches continue to heal.