Tuchel and Luis de la Fuente comment on racism ahead of group decider
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says "there is no racism in Spain" and England boss Thomas Tuchel reiterates that he does not believe it will be an issue at Sunday's Nations League meeting in Madrid.
Key points
- Sunday’s Nations League Group A3 decider is England’s first in the Spanish capital since a friendly in November 2004, when Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips were subject to racist chanting from sections of the home crowd.
- We’re not racists, none of us.” De la Fuente’s answer was relayed to Tuchel in the pre-match press conference at the Metropolitano, where the England boss admits he “got a bit upset”.
- Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was asked about the England boss’ comments and, as reported by the Guardian, said: “I can say the opposite.
Additional details
- Tuchel stressed in the build-up that he did not expect there to be any racist abuse but added “maybe we take our five minutes to inform the players about the protocol if there is a precedent [in Madrid]”.
- “I was polite enough to [answer] a question from your colleagues, and you run and ask the other coach and tell him that I talk about racism in Spain,” he said.
- It’s a perfect example of how it should not work.” Tuchel’s frustration was clear and the England boss was pushed further on the matter.
- “I never expect racism, and the dressing room is the most anti-racist place on Earth and that’s exactly how it works.
- “But my trust is that we have a friendly atmosphere, that we have an atmosphere who is clearly in favour of the Spanish team, and that football does what it does best: bring people together and not divide people.” Experienced England midfielder Declan Rice was also quizzed on the matter on the eve of the Metropolitano meeting.
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