Thomas Tuchel has issued a public apology to Jude Bellingham, admitting his comments on the England star earlier this year caused unnecessary upset and were the result of a poor choice of words.
The Three Lions manager landed himself in hot water back in June when, speaking the morning after a bruising 3-1 home defeat to Senegal, he described some of Bellingham’s on-pitch behaviour as “repulsive”.
The remark quickly sparked headlines and, according to Tuchel, understandably left the Real Madrid midfielder unhappy.
Tuchel now insists the episode was a result of his clumsy English rather than any genuine criticism of the 21-year-old, who is regarded as the beating heart of his England side.
Thomas Tuchel has issued a public apology to Jude Bellingham, admitting his comments on the England star earlier this year caused unnecessary upset and were the result of a poor choice of words
|REUTERS
“The headlines caused upset of course, for Jude. And I’m sorry for that,” Tuchel said.
“I used the wrong word in my second language. That makes it my responsibility and of course it’s an upset for the player.
“I hope it is sorted now. When I was aware of the headlines I made contact with him straight away but I didn’t then speak to him at the Club World Cup.
"I used this word unintentionally. Just to make that very clear. There was no message, there was no hidden agenda.”
Tuchel stressed that his admiration for Bellingham has never been in doubt, too.
“I fully understand that it’s my responsibility that I created these headlines. I’m sorry for the upset," he continued.
"I was sorry and I am sorry for the upset and for the headlines. I am experienced enough. I should have known better. I should have done better.
“If someone makes the effort to listen to the whole answer he would clearly understand the appreciation that I have and the affection I have for the player.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Jude Bellingham was criticised by England boss Thomas Tuchel following their defeat to Senegal earlier this year
| PA"I did the interview in the morning after a loss, after not a lot of sleep.
"I did it in a live interview and used the wrong word. I didn’t want to use this word and I created the upset.
"Jude knows and knew before how much I appreciate him and what his strengths are.”
Bellingham remains central to England’s plans, despite his struggles against Senegal last time out.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jude Bellingham is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury with the England star left out of Thomas Tuchel's latest squad
|GETTY
Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, he is currently recovering from shoulder surgery and has not been included in Tuchel’s latest squad.
That squad will attempt to get England’s World Cup qualifying campaign back on track after an unconvincing start under Tuchel.
Since replacing Gareth Southgate, the German coach has overseen a laboured 1-0 win over Slovenia, a dour goalless draw with Finland and the damaging loss to Senegal that triggered his Bellingham comments.
The pressure is building quickly, with crucial fixtures against Andorra at Villa Park next Saturday and Serbia in Belgrade the following Tuesday.
Thomas Tuchel has experienced a slow start to life as England manager
|REUTERS
Bellingham’s absence is a major blow, though his Real Madrid team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold is another high-profile omission.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Tottenham full-back Djed Spence are the fresh faces handed debuts, as Tuchel looks to refresh the squad.