England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued an apology to Jude Bellingham and insisted there was ‘no hidden agenda’ after branding some of the midfielder’s on-pitch behaviour as ‘repulsive’. The 22-year-old’s competitive spirit has propelled his meteoric ascent at both club and international level, though it has also sparked debates about his conduct.
Speaking the morning after June’s friendly defeat to Senegal, Tuchel praised Bellingham’s ‘fire’ but disclosed that his mother considered certain aspects of the player’s on-field conduct ‘repulsive’. The German tactician’s remarks sparked significant backlash, prompting him to apologise to the Real Madrid ace, who is unavailable for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia due to shoulder surgery.
“I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear,” Tuchel explained. “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.
“I’m experienced enough, I should have known better and should have done better. 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.
“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.”
Bellingham has made 44 appearances for England and featured in all four matches since Tuchel took charge.
Asked if he thinks the ‘repulsive’ remark has affected his relationship with Bellingham, the England boss told talkSPORT: “I hope not because it happened unintentionally.
“There was no message involved. Now it’s a moment for Jude to focus on this rehab and for us to focus on camp.”
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