Thomas Tuchel has become involved in a war of words over a racism storm ahead of England’s Nations League clash with Spain. Tuchel hit back over questions from Spanish journalists in Madrid when he was asked about comments he made after England’s win over Croatia.
This will be the first time England have played in Madrid since 2004 - they actually refused to play in 2009 and the game was moved to Seville - after black players were abused in that fixture 22 years ago.
De la Fuente's blunt response
The England boss was answering a question about whether he would remind his players about UEFA’s anti-racism protocols. But those comments did not please Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, who was asked at his press conference and snapped back: “Tell Tuchel there is no racism in Spain. It’s that blunt. Exactly the same as in England. We are not racist.”
But Tuchel then snapped back at Spanish journalists himself for effectively running to De La Fuente with his remarks when the England boss insists he was just answering a question.
Tuchel's response
Tuchel said: “I was polite enough to ask a question from your colleagues, and you run and ask Spain's coach and tell them that I talked about racism in Spain. I never talked about racism in Spain. I answered politely a question. I never expect racism. The dressing room is the most anti-racism place in the world. This is a perfect example of how you create confusion out of nothing.”
Tuchel's comments ahead of the game were that, although England "do not expect anything", he would talk to his players to remind them of the protocol in place ahead of the game.
He said: “I still think the protocol is in place and it's important that the players know about the protocol. And then yes, we will give our answers if stuff like this happens. The best answers are on the pitch. I think we had the same discussion before the Serbia game.”
