Ivory Coast coach saddened by Schweinsteiger's 'racist' comments
Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has expressed sadness over Bastian Schweinsteiger's remarks describing his team's playing style as 'a bit African football', suggesting they could be considered racist.
Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has spoken out about comments made by former Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger, who described the Ivory Coast's style of play as "a bit African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, a bit perhaps also not so conditioned by tactics." Schweinsteiger made the remarks while commentating on German broadcaster ARD ahead of Germany's 2-1 friendly victory over Ivory Coast on June 20.
Faé responded to the comments, saying: "We could call it racist. It's sad that such stereotypes still exist in football. Our game is based on discipline and tactics, just like any other team. Such statements are offensive not only to my team but to all African football."
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is in New York attending the World Cup, refused to engage with the controversy. Speaking to journalists, Klopp said: "Now you want to carry on the subject. No, no, I have no chance. I have no chance to answer this question. Everybody likes it so you bring me in this situation. It's not my job that everybody likes it, but this is a serious subject, and I don't even know what is appropriate to say."
Despite the loss to Germany, Ivory Coast have advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after victories over Ecuador and Curacao in Group E. They will face either France or Norway in the round of 32 on June 30 in Arlington, Texas.
