Jurgen Klopp ends interview after being asked about German icon’s controversial ‘African football’ remarks | OneFootball

Former Liverpool manager and World Cup pundit Jürgen Klopp abruptly ended an interview in New York after being questioned about controversial remarks by former Germany player Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Schweinsteiger, commenting for German broadcaster ARD before Germany played Ivory Coast last weekend, had described the African team’s style as "a bit African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, a bit perhaps also not so conditioned by tactics. We have to be prepared for it to be unpredictable."

Klopp, who is working for broadcaster Magenta, appeared visibly taken aback when asked about Schweinsteiger’s comments by Deutsche Welle in a huddle with journalists on Wednesday.

He expressed his reluctance to delve into the sensitive topic, stating: "Now you want to carry on the subject. No, no, I have no chance. I have no chance to answer this question.

Schweinsteiger made controversial comments before Germany's clash with Ivory Coast (Getty)

“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. For African people it’s one thing, for other people it’s another thing, and I’m not here."

The German coach admitted he had felt fortunate to have avoided the subject until that point.

He concluded with an ironic jab at the interviewer before departing: "Thank God, I thought, nobody asked me about that. You found a moment. And surprisingly, you are German. That surprised me so much."

Germany went on to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 last weekend, with Julian Nagelmann’s side coming from a goal down to book their place in the World Cup knockout stages.

Franck Kessie had given Ivory Coast a deserved first-half lead, but Germany hit back through a brace from Denis Undav, with his second goal coming deep into stoppage time.

Germany have already secured top spot in their group, and will look to make it three wins from three when they face Ecuador on Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, Ecuador need a victory to keep their hopes alive of progressing to the last-32 after losing their opening game against Ivory Coast and then being held to a goalless draw by Curacao.