Thomas Tuchel insisted his words had been “twisted” as questions over anti-racism protocols overshadowed the build-up to England’s Nations League showdown in Madrid.
Tuchel was asked after England’s win over Croatia on Thursday how he and England would react if racist abuse occurred during Sunday’s game against Spain.
The head coach responded by saying he would “maybe take five minutes” to remind his players of the anti-racism protocols. Tuchel also said “we will not expect” any abuse to occur in Madrid.
The game is England’s first visit to the Spanish capital since 2004, when the match was marred by racist abuse directed at England’s black players.
Spain were also fined and handed a partial stadium closure last month as punishment for Islamophobic chanting in Barcelona during a game against Egypt in March.
Luis de la Fuente was asked on Saturday by a Spanish-based English journalist: “Does the fact we keep talking about this topic demonstrate that Spanish football still has work to do in the fight against racism?”
In response, the Spain boss said: “What I can tell you, and you can pass this on to Thomas, is that there is no racism in Spain. That’s how strongly I feel about it.
“There is no racism. Just as in England, there is no racism in Spain. None of us are racist.”
Tuchel was then asked by a Spanish journalist about his counterpart’s comments, to which he responded: “I was polite enough to ask [sic – answer] a question from your colleagues.
“And you run and ask the other coach, and tell him that I talk about racism in Spain. It’s a perfect example of how it works.
“I never talked about racism in Spain. I answered politely a question about what happens. I never expect racism and the dressing room is the most anti-racist place on earth.
“You create a lot of confusion for absolutely nothing. It’s a perfect example of how it should not work.”
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Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Spain in the Nations League, England manager Thomas Tuchel believes their opponents are the ‘biggest test in world football’
When asked if he had a message ahead of the game to send to Spanish fans, he added: “I sent a message but it got twisted. I said I always expect a friendly atmosphere.
“I don’t expect racism, nowhere. I am shocked if it happens. It should never happen.
“I am the first person to stand up for these values. I got asked what happens if it happens and I said there are protocols in place.
“Football does what it does best, brings people together – not divides.”
Rice not expecting any issues in Spain
England midfielder Declan Rice was also questioned on the topic, where he referenced previous incidents in which the national team had experienced racism.
Montenegro were charged by UEFA in 2019 for racist behaviour after former boss Gareth Southgate confirmed racist chanting was directed at Danny Rose during a 5-1 win.
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Declan Rice believes the challenge of Spain will bring out the best in England as they seek to top their Nations League group
The 6-0 win against Bulgaria in Sofia in the same year was also stopped on two occasions in the first half due to racist abuse directed at players.
Speaking ahead of facing Spain, Rice said: “In the past, I’ve experienced that in Montenegro, Bulgaria and there was a protocol in place we followed. We came off the pitch. We know exactly where we are as a group on that.
“The manager hasn’t brought that up yet. It wouldn’t surprise me if he brings that up tomorrow. But we know where we stand.
“I’m not expecting any of that tomorrow night. This is a beautiful city, great stadium, the players we’re playing against we have a lot of respect for. It’s set up to be a really good evening and hopefully not a negative one.”
What’s coming up for England?
- Spain vs England – Sunday, November 15