Canada Sport News

Germany coach criticizes broadcaster for questioning lack of diversity in team squad
  • news
    •

    Germany coach criticizes broadcaster for questioning lack of diversity in team squad

    HERZOGENAURACH, Germany — Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann says he’s shocked that a public broadcaster asked participants in a survey if they would prefer more white players in the national soccer team.

    Nagelsmann agreed Sunday with midfielder Joshua Kimmich’s comments the day before that the survey for German state broadcaster ARD was “absolutely racist” and said it was “madness for a public broadcaster to ask such a question.”

    The survey of 1,304 randomly selected participants found 21% would prefer it if more players with white skin were playing for Germany.

    “I thought about it briefly and I have the feeling that we need to wake up a bit,” Nagelsmann said at the team’s training camp for the upcoming European Championship. “There are people in Europe who’ve had to flee because of war, economic factors, environmental disasters, people who simply want to be taken in. We have to ask what are we doing at the moment? We in Germany are doing very, very well, and when we say something like that, I think it’s crazy how we turn a blind eye and simply block out such things.”

    Nagelsmann said Kimmich was correct when he said a soccer team can be a role model for how different cultures, religious backgrounds and skin colors can join in a group to work together for major goals.

    “I always find it bizarre that we all go on vacation to get to know other cultures and then other cultures come here and we complain about it. It’s bizarre,” Nagelsmann said. “So, I can’t go on vacation then, I always have to stay where I am.”

    Nagelsmann agreed with Kimmich that he does not want to do without any of the players he nominated in his squad, which includes Black players.

    “It’s good as it is,” Nagelsmann said. “We’re playing a European Championship for everyone in the country. And anyone who can play top football is invited to be a national player and give their all for their country. And that’s what we’re doing. And I hope I never have to read about such a (expletive) survey again.”

    Germany plays Ukraine on Monday in its first warmup game for Euro 2024. It plays Greece for its next friendly on Friday in Mönchengladbach.

    The host nation gets the tournament underway June 14 against Scotland in Munich. It then plays Hungary in Stuttgart on June 19 and Switzerland in Frankfurt on June 23.

    More from Sportsnet
    Koeman includes De Jong and Depay in Dutch squad at Euro 2024, but no place for Maatsen


    France’s Olivier Giroud plans to end international career after Euro

    Germany’s national soccer team coach has come under fire for his response to a broadcaster’s question about the lack of diversity in the team squad. The coach, Joachim Low, was asked by a reporter why there were so few players of color on the team, especially considering Germany’s diverse population.

    In his response, Low dismissed the question, stating that he selects players based on their skills and abilities, not their race or ethnicity. He went on to say that the team is made up of the best players in Germany, regardless of their background.

    However, many critics have pointed out that the lack of diversity in the team squad is reflective of a larger issue within German soccer. Despite the country’s multicultural population, the national team has historically been dominated by white players.

    This lack of diversity has led to calls for greater representation and inclusion in German soccer. Some have argued that by not including more players of color in the team squad, the German Football Association is sending a message that only certain types of players are welcome in the sport.

    In response to the criticism, the German Football Association has stated that they are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport. They have pledged to work towards creating a more inclusive environment for players of all backgrounds.

    Overall, the controversy surrounding the lack of diversity in the Germany national team squad highlights the ongoing challenges faced by soccer in addressing issues of race and representation. It serves as a reminder that diversity and inclusion are important factors in creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all players.