'I'm sorry' - Thomas Tuchel apologises to Jude Bellingham over 'repulsive' jibe

The Three Lions boss caused a stir back in June after heaping praise on Bellingham's fiery and, at times, aggressive style of play, but finished by saying that his mother would consider the Real Madrid star's actions "repulsive". Tuchel revealed he spoke to Bellingham straight after it happened and explained how the mistake came about. He pointed out that he conducts his press conference interviews in his second language, hence some translation issues.

The comments came following the demoralising 3-1 home defeat by Senegal and Tuchel has emphasised there is no issue between him and Bellingham. With a World Cup looming on the horizon, Tuchel needs his key players on side for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

Tuchel said: "I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear. 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 is currently recovering from the shoulder surgery he underwent in mid-July and will play no part in the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. He has been dealing with recurring left shoulder issues since dislocating it in November 2023.