Nagelsmann Hits Out At Racist Poll Regarding Germany's Euro 2024 Squad

Julian Nagelsmann has criticised a controversial survey conducted by German public broadcaster ARD, which questioned whether there should be more white players in the national football team. The survey, which involved 1,304 participants, revealed that 21 per cent of respondents supported the idea of having more white players representing Germany at Euro 2024.

Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich labelled the poll as "absolute nonsense" on Saturday, emphasising that the diversity within the national team is a significant strength. Coach Nagelsmann echoed these sentiments during a media briefing at the team's Herzogenaurach training base on Sunday.

"It is racist. I feel we need to wake up. Many people now in Europe had to flee, searching for a safe country," Nagelsmann stated. He expressed his agreement with Kimmich's response, describing it as clear and well-considered. "This question is insane," he added.

Nagelsmann highlighted the plight of individuals in Europe who have been forced to flee due to war, economic instability, and environmental disasters. He stressed the importance of recognising and addressing these issues rather than ignoring them.

"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 concluded.

The survey has sparked significant backlash, with many criticising its premise as inherently discriminatory. The German Football Association (DFB) has yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversy.

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The incident underscores ongoing challenges related to race and representation in sports. It also highlights the broader societal issues that continue to affect Europe and beyond.