By Olatunbosun Obafemi
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has issued an apology to Jude Bellingham after admitting he used the wrong word to describe the midfielder’s on-field behaviour.
In the wake of England’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal in June, Tuchel praised the Real Madrid star’s passion but said some of his actions were considered “repulsive” by Bellingham’s mother. The remark sparked criticism and raised questions over the 22-year-old’s temperament.
On Friday, Tuchel apologised, stressing that the comment had been a mistake.
“I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear,” Tuchel said. “There was no hidden agenda. I take responsibility for the headlines it created, and I’m sorry for the upset.”
Tuchel explained that his phrasing was poor, particularly given the circumstances of the interview.
“I should have known better. I did the interview in my second language, the morning after a defeat, with little sleep. I used the wrong word,” he said. “I didn’t mean it, but I have to own it.”
The former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain manager revealed he had already contacted Bellingham directly to clarify matters.
“I reached out to him straight away,” Tuchel added. “Jude’s focus now is on his rehabilitation, and that’s the most important thing.”
Bellingham is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury and will miss England’s September World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
