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Julian Nagelsmann, the coach of the German national football team, described the poll, which asked respondents whether they wanted to see more white players representing the national team, as “racist” and said people should “wake up.”
Germany is preparing to host Euro 2024 during the period from June 14 to next July 14 on its soil, as the German machines are looking forward to crowning the title among their fans.
An opinion poll conducted by the German station WDR as part of a documentary revealed that 21% of participants voted yes.
British news agency PA Media reported that Nagelsmann’s statements came after criticism of the poll by Joshua Kimmich, a player for the national team and Bayern Munich.
Nagelsmann, whose country is hosting the European Championship, told Bild newspaper that he agreed that “this poll is racist.” “I have a feeling we need to wake up.”
In turn, Kimmich confirmed – during press statements – that “this matter does not exist within the team. Anyone who grew up with football knows that this is just talk that has no value.”
He added, “Football unites people of different skin colors and religions, and that’s what it’s all about. I would miss a lot of players if they weren’t here. This is completely racist, and it has no place among us on the team.”
He continued, “When you take into account that we are about to host the European Championship on our soil, it is ridiculous to ask such a question, when in fact the goal is to unite the entire country.”
“It is about achieving great things together,” he concluded. As a team, we are trying to get everyone in Germany behind us.”
The Bayern player was speaking in Herzoggen and Rach, where the German German national team is holding a training camp in preparation for Euro 2024.
The first group of this continental competition includes Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland, in addition to the host team, which will meet its Scottish counterpart in the opening match at Munich Stadium.
