"I don't know if I was ever meant to be his successor or not. I didn't think about it because there was no question in the situation I was."
Tuchel also backed Wenger to continue in football despite leaving Arsenal after 22 years two months ago.
"He will keep on coaching," Tuchel added.
"It isn't my right to talk about him but I imagine it must be a strange feeling not to manage the shirts from Arsenal because he was more than just a coach.
"He was Arsenal, he is a gentleman, one of the biggest coaches in the world and somewhere I have the feeling he isn't finished yet.
Arsene Wenger should have left Arsenal says Stewart Robson
Arsenal news: Unai Emery has taken over from Arsene Wenger at the Emirates (Image: GETTY)
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"I have the biggest respect for him, he built a club that is famously known for its style of football, he is like an idol and a role model for every coach - especially for me."
Arsenal chose Emery after opting against two former players.
Patrick Vieira held tentative talks about taking over but, ultimately, has moved to Nice.
And Mikel Arteta was also snubbed with the Spaniard continuing to work alongside Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.