London, Aug 29: England coach Thomas Tuchel has apologized to Jude Bellingham for saying the Real Madrid midfielder’s behavior “can be a bit repulsive.”
Tuchel said there was “no message, no hidden agenda” behind his comment, which was made in a radio interview the day after a 3-1 loss to Senegal in a friendly in June.
“I used this word unintentionally,” the German coach said of the eye-catching “repulsive” remark, adding that was “sorry for the upset that I created.”
Tuchel said he made contact with Bellingham immediately after the remark that was used in the context of the edge the midfielder brings to the England team.
“I see that it can create mixed emotions,” Tuchel said in the interview on talkSPORT.
“I see this with my parents, with my mum, that she sometimes cannot see the nice and well-educated and well-behaved guy that I see.
“If he smiles, he wins everyone.
But sometimes you see the rage, you see the hunger and the rage and the fire, and it comes out in a way that can be a bit repulsive, for example, for my mother, when she sits in front of the TV.”
Two-and-a-half months later, Tuchel said: “I am experienced enough, I should have known better, I should have done better.”
“It is my responsibility. I used the wrong word, I didn’t want to use this word.”
Bellingham was absent from Tuchel’s latest England squad, announced Friday for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, as he recovers from surgery on a shoulder injury.
The incident may have sparked debate, but Tuchel’s candid apology now seeks to put the matter to rest, reinforcing his respect for Bellingham’s talent and character.
On the other hand, for team England, the young midfielder remains a vital figure, and despite being sidelined through injury, his influence continues to loom large both on and off the pitch.
Tuchel’s admission that he “should have done better” reflects the heightened scrutiny managers face in their choice of words, particularly when addressing star players whose conduct and passion are often dissected under the spotlight.
As Bellingham focuses on his recovery, and England prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers, the episode serves as both a lesson in communication and a reminder of the fine balance between criticism and admiration in the world of elite sport. (AP)
