Speaking as a commentator on German broadcaster ARD, external before Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on June 20, Schweinsteiger said when asked about the Ivorian’s style of play: “A bit African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, a bit perhaps also not so conditioned by tactics. We must be prepared for it to be unpredictable.”
His comments have already caused controversy in German media, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp refusing to answer a question on the subject.
Speaking to journalists in New York on Wednesday while attending the World Cup, Klopp said: “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.
“For African people it’s one thing, for other people it’s another thing, and I’m not here.”
Despite losing to Germany, Ivory Coast have reached the last 32 with victories over Ecuador and Curacao in Group E.
They will face France or Norway in the first knockout round on 30 June in Arlington, Texas.