Germany coach Nagelsmann slams ‘racist’ poll over players’ skin colour

MUNICH – Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on June 2 said a poll ordered by German broadcaster ARD that asked about the colour of national players’ skin was racist, adding that he was stunned it was even conducted.

The poll said that about one-fifth of those questioned said they wanted more white players in the team.

On June 1, national player Joshua Kimmich called the poll racist and his coach agreed.

“Josh responded really well, with a very clear and thought-out statement,” Nagelsmann told a press conference. “I see this in exactly the same way.”

Kimmich had said a day earlier: “Anyone who’s grown up with football knows this is absolute nonsense. Football in particular is a good example of how you can unite different nations, different skin colours and different religions.

“That’s what our team is all about. I would miss a lot of players if they weren’t here. This is absolutely racist and has no place in our changing room.”

Both Kimmich and Nagelsmann are white.

Germany’s provisional team ahead of the June 14-July 14 European Championship on home soil has black players, as well as players with Turkish background – such as captain Ilkay Gundogan – among others.

The broadcaster said a reporter working on an ARD documentary on football and diversity was repeatedly confronted with statements about the team’s composition during the making of the documentary. It said it commissioned the poll in order to have measurable facts on such statements.

“I was shocked that such questions are asked and people actually answer,” Nagelsmann said.

Kimmich also took aim at the question, adding: “When you consider that we are about to host a European Championship at home, it’s absurd to ask such a question when the aim is actually to unite the whole country.

“It’s about achieving great things together. As a team, we’re trying to get everyone in Germany behind us.”

Nagelsmann added that “we need to wake up”.

He said: “It is racist. I feel we need to wake up. Many people in Europe had to flee... searching for a safe country.

“In Germany we are living well and we tend to shut out these things. A football team can be a role model of how to unite different cultures, religious backgrounds and skin colour.

“It is good the way it is now. We play a Euro for everyone in the country and whoever plays top football is invited to be a national team member. I hope I never have to read such crap polls again.”

Germany open the tournament with their Group A match against Scotland on June 14 in Munich.
REUTERS