Thomas Tuchel apologised to Jude Bellingham after describing some of the midfielder's on-field behaviour as repulsive and insisted there was no hidden agenda. Tuchel said he used the word unintentionally during a live interview the morning after England's friendly loss to Senegal, and blamed tiredness and speaking in his second language. He said he accepts responsibility for the headlines and apologised for the upset caused. Tuchel said he contacted Bellingham straight away. Bellingham is absent from England's September World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia while he rehabilitates from shoulder surgery.
I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear, Tuchel said. 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.
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