Bastian Schweinsteiger: Former Germany star’s comments on Ivory Coast were ‘racist’, Emmersay Fi suggests

Speaking as a commentator on German broadcaster ARD, outsider Ahead of Germany’s 2–1 win in Ivory Coast on 20 June, Schweinsteiger was asked about the Ivorians’ style of play and said: “A bit African football, a bit unconventional, a bit wild, a bit perhaps not so conditioned by strategy. We have to be prepared for it to be unpredictable.”

His comments have already sparked controversy in the German media, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp refusing to answer a question on the matter.

Speaking to reporters in New York on Wednesday while attending the World Cup, Klopp said: “Now you want to continue the matter. No, no, I have no chance. I have no chance to answer this question. Everyone likes it, so you bring me to this situation. It’s not my job that everyone likes it, but it’s a serious matter, and I don’t know what’s appropriate to say.

“It’s one thing for African people, it’s another thing for others, and I’m not here.”

Despite losing to Germany, Ivory Coast reached the last 32 in Group E with wins over Ecuador and Curacao.

They will face either France or Norway in the first knockout round on June 30 in Arlington, Texas.