‘I’m sorry’, Tuchel apologises to Bellingham over ‘repulsive’ comment

England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a public apology to Jude Bellingham after admitting he used the word “repulsive” to describe aspects of the Real Madrid star’s on-field behaviour.

Tuchel had made the remark in June following England’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal, saying he admired Bellingham’s competitive edge but admitted his mother found some of his antics “repulsive.”

The comment sparked debate about the 22-year-old’s temperament and discipline.

Speaking on Friday, Tuchel clarified that his choice of words had been a mistake and stressed there was no malice intended.

The German has now said sorry to Bellingham, who is absent from the England squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia after shoulder surgery.

“I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear,” Tuchel said on Friday.

“I had no intention, there was no message, there was no hidden agenda.

“I fully understand it’s my responsibility that I created these headlines. I’m sorry for the upset and for the headlines that I created.”

As a former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain boss, Tuchel admitted he should have had the experience to handle the situation better.

“I’m experienced enough, I should have known better and should have done better,” he said.

“I thought I have a little bit more credit with you guys, that I do all this in my second language.

“I did it on the morning after a loss and not a lot of sleep. I did it in a live interview and I used the wrong word.”

Conceding his use of the word repulsive was inappropriate, Tuchel added: “It’s my responsibility. I used the wrong word.

“I didn’t want to use this word. I used it. I created the opposite. It’s my responsibility.

“I made straight away contact with him, of course and I got in touch with him straight away. Jude’s focus is now in his rehabilitation.”

AFP

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