Thomas Tuchel has reaffirmed that there are “no cracks” in his relationship with Jude Bellingham, emphasizing their closeness despite recent media scrutiny. The tension arose after Tuchel’s admission last summer that his mother found some of Bellingham’s on-field behavior “repulsive.” Tuchel has since apologized, and Bellingham has excelled this summer, scoring six goals in the World Cup, including a brace in the 2-1 extra-time victory against Norway in the quarter-finals.

Despite expressing dissatisfaction with his team's performance, Tuchel noted that Bellingham responded positively, urging for a more optimistic perspective. To address the situation, Tuchel spoke with the squad to ensure clarity and confirmed that there are no issues with Bellingham ahead of the semi-final against Argentina.

• Tuchel criticized how the media portrayed his comments, stating:
  • “What do you expect of a player that just played 120 minutes and gave literally everything?”
  • He believes the media has exaggerated the situation, saying, “If it’s blown up, it’s blown up in the media, of course.”

Tuchel expressed frustration over the focus on critical feedback while neglecting his praise for Bellingham's performance. He remarked, “I think the question was unfair in this moment towards Jude.”

Bellingham's comments after the Norway match hinted at Tuchel’s playing history, suggesting he may not fully grasp the challenges faced by players like Erling Haaland. Tuchel accepted his modest playing career but asserted that it does not hinder his coaching effectiveness, stating, “You don’t have to be a horse to be a good jockey!”

As the team prepares for their crucial match, Tuchel insists their bond remains strong, highlighting the excellent energy and mentality within the camp.