Ivory Coast manager Emerse Fae has voiced his profound disappointment and anger regarding remarks made by Germany football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger. Schweinsteiger, speaking on German broadcaster ARD, characterised Ivory Coast's playing style as 'a bit African football', suggesting it was 'unorthodox, a bit wild, and perhaps not so conditioned by tactics' ahead of their recent clash with Germany.
Following his nation's progression to the World Cup knockouts, finishing as runners-up in Group E, Fae openly shared his dismay. He stated, 'I think it's sad. Schweinsteiger was a very good player; I have always loved him as a midfielder and the way he understood football. When I heard his comments, I was disappointed in the man.' Fae went further, suggesting the comments bordered on racism: 'It is odd he would speak that way. We could call it racist, if we were calling a spade a spade.'
Fae dismissed the stereotype, asserting the technical and tactical capabilities of African teams. He added, 'I don't agree with him, but I have no other solution other than to work with things as they are. All I can show is that on the pitch African teams are not just physical, we are technical and tactical.' He expressed hope that the statement was 'clumsy' rather than indicative of deeper prejudice, but affirmed Schweinsteiger's right to his opinions.
The controversy also drew in former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who was questioned about the remarks by German media. Klopp, however, declined to comment, telling reporters, '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.' He acknowledged the differing perspectives for 'African people' and 'other people'.
Despite the off-pitch comments, Ivory Coast secured their place in the round of 32, even after a 2-0 victory over Curacao in their group finale. They will now face either France or Norway in their upcoming knockout fixture on 30th June in Arlington, Texas, following their 2-0 defeat to Germany last weekend, where Deniz Undav scored a late winner for the European side.
Source: ARD broadcaster, Emerse Fae (post-match interview), Jurgen Klopp (media comments)