Jürgen Klopp ends interview after questioning about controversial statement about African football
Jürgen Klopp ended an interview after being asked about Bastian Schweinsteiger's controversial comments about the Ivory Coast team's style of football. Germany beat Ivory Coast and will face Ecuador in the World Cup.
Former Liverpool manager and World Cup commentator Jürgen Klopp abruptly stopped an interview in New York after being questioned about controversial statements from former Germany player Bastian Schweinsteiger. Schweinsteiger, commentating for German broadcaster ARD before the game between Germany and Ivory Coast last weekend, described the African team's style as "a bit of African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, perhaps also not so tactically driven. We need to be prepared for it to be unpredictable."
Klopp, who is working for broadcaster Magenta, appeared visibly surprised when asked about Schweinsteiger's comments by a Deutsche Welle journalist in a group of reporters on Wednesday. He expressed reluctance to delve into the sensitive subject, stating: "Now you want to continue with the subject. No, no, I don't have a chance. I don't have a chance to answer that question. Everyone likes it, so you put me in this situation. It's not my job that everyone likes, but this is a serious matter, and I don't even know what's appropriate to say. For African people it's one thing, for other people it's another, and I'm not here."
The German coach admitted he felt lucky to have avoided the subject until that moment. He concluded with a quip directed at the interviewer before walking away: "Thank God, I thought, no one asked me about that. You found a moment. And surprisingly, you're German. That surprised me so much."
Germany beat Ivory Coast 2-1 last weekend, with Julian Nagelsmann's side pulling off a comeback after being behind. Franck Kessie gave Ivory Coast a deserved lead in the first half, but Germany responded with two goals from Denis Undav, the second being scored in stoppage time. Germany have already secured first place in their group and will be looking for a third successive victory against Ecuador on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Ecuador need a victory to maintain their hopes of advancing to the round of 32 after losing their opening game to Ivory Coast and drawing goalless with Curaçao.
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