Thomas Tuchel has apologised for describing elements of Jude Bellingham’s behaviour as « repulsive » in a radio interview after England’s previous game in June.
The morning after the Three Lions suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Senegal in a friendly at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, Tuchel spoke at length to talkSPORT about the « edge » and « fire » Bellingham has in his game.
Tuchel went on to say of the Real Madrid midfielder that « if he smiles, he wins everyone but sometimes you see the rage, the hunger 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. I see that. »
England have not played since but Tuchel addressed the issue on Friday after announcing his squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia — matches for which Bellingham is injured due to shoulder surgery.
« I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear, » he said.
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« I used it unintentionally. There was no message. There was no hidden agenda. I fully understood and understand that it’s my responsibility that I created these headlines. I am sorry for the upset and I am sorry for the upset for the headlines I created.
« I am experienced enough and should’ve known better. I should’ve done better. I thought I have a little bit more credit maybe with you guys that I do all this in my second language.
« I did on the morning after a loss with not a lot of sleep. I did it in a live interview and I used the wrong word.
« Again, it’s my responsibility. I used the wrong word, I didn’t want to use this word, I used it, I created the upset, it’s my responsibility. »
Pushed on whether he contacted Bellingham after the interview, Tuchel replied: « Of course, I made contact straight away with him.
« Jude focuses now on his process in rehabilitation, and we focus on Andorra and Serbia.
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