Thomas Tuchel Apologizes for Comments on Jude Bellingham
England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued an apology for calling Jude Bellingham's on-field behavior "repulsive," clarifying that he used the term "unintentionally."
Tuchel made the remark in June following England's 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal, which marked his first loss in charge. While praising the Real Madrid midfielder's "fire," he acknowledged that his own mother sometimes perceives Bellingham's behavior as "repulsive."
The manager admitted he should have chosen his words more carefully, especially considering that Bellingham is currently sidelined from the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia due to shoulder surgery last month.
"I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear," the 52-year-old stated. "There was no message. There was no hidden agenda. I fully understand that it’s my responsibility for the headlines I created, and I apologize for any upset caused."
Tuchel expressed regret over his choice of words, noting, "I am experienced enough and should have known better. I thought I had a little more credit with you guys in the media, considering I am speaking in my second language. I made the comments the morning after a loss, with little sleep, during a live interview, and I used the wrong word. Again, it’s my responsibility."
In the June interview with Talksport, Tuchel remarked, "If [Bellingham] smiles, he wins everyone. But sometimes you see the rage, the hunger, and the fire, which can come across as a bit repulsive, for example, to my mother watching on TV."
Following the comments, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager reached out to Bellingham. "Of course, I made contact straight away with him," Tuchel added. "Jude is currently focused on his rehabilitation process, while we concentrate on the matches against Andorra and Serbia."