Bastian Schweinsteiger has been forced to defend himself after comments he made about the Ivory Coast ahead of their World Cup clash with Germany were branded racist by their head coach.

The former Germany, Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder described Ivory Coast’s style as unpredictable and unorthodox while working as a pundit, remarks that brought a wave of criticism in the days that followed.

Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae pulled no punches when addressing the comments, leading Schweinsteiger to release a statement explaining what he had actually meant by the analysis.

Fae Brands Comments Racist as Ivory Coast make History

REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Fae was quick to give his view on the matter, hitting back after guiding Ivory Coast into the knockout rounds for the first time in their history following a 2-0 win over Curacao.

Though he added he hoped it was simply a “clumsy statement that’s not necessarily reflective of what’s in his life.”

The issue also drew in Jurgen Klopp, who appeared uncomfortable when pressed on the subject during a broadcast appearance, eventually cutting the interview short.

Schweinsteiger had described Ivory Coast’s approach as “a bit African football, a bit unorthodox, a bit wild, a bit perhaps also not so conditioned by tactics” while appearing on German broadcaster ARD.

The comments quickly drew backlash, with some suggesting he leaned into outdated racial stereotypes. Responding through a statement released by the same broadcaster, Schweinsteiger said:

Axel Balkausky, ARD’s sports coordinator, defended Schweinsteiger’s stance in a very similar manner. “He summarized his experiences and observations from recent games. It wasn’t about individual people but rather a footballing assessment. I can’t detect any form of racism in that or in his choice of words. If the coach of Ivory Coast, Emerse Fae, were to speak directly with Bastian, his suspicions would be quickly revised, I am sure of that. Perhaps an opportunity of that sort will arise in the course of the tournament.”

While there will always be intense debate over where they all rank, Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona will forever be in the pantheon of all-time football greats.

Pele was football’s first global superstar, his name synonymous with the beautiful game. Winner of the World Cup in 1958 at the age of 17, the Brazilian went on to lift football’s most iconic trophy twice more, first in 1962 and then again in 1970.

And then came Diego Maradona, the first player to seriously threaten Pele’s status as the greatest footballer in history.

The diminutive playmaker inspired Argentina to World Cup glory at the 1986 finals in Mexico, hitting a level of individual brilliance that had never been seen before.

It seemed incomprehensible that we’d see another player as good as Maradona, but the otherworldly Messi burst onto the scene in 2005 and the rest is history.

If Messi wins a second successful World Cup with Argentina in the United States this summer, he will cement his status as football’s GOAT (greatest of all time), in the eyes of many football fans and pundits alike.

For others, that happened as soon as he won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, producing a series of performances that rivalled Maradona’s 36 years earlier.

Sadly, Maradona wasn’t around to witness Messi’s crowning moment. He died two years earlier, aged just 60.

Pele, on the other hand, did witness Messi lifting the World Cup, but passed away himself less than two weeks later aged 82.

Pele and Maradona’s Private Chat About Messi in 2016

REUTERS/Charles Platiau

Years earlier, in June 2016, Maradona and Pele were caught by microphones having a private chat about Messi – and their comments now look very interesting.

Messi was going through a challenging period with Argentina at the time, faced with accusations that he cared more about playing for Barcelona than his national team.

These unfair accusations, combined with a series of near misses at major tournaments, even led to Messi announcing his retirement from international football after the 2016 Copa America.

Several weeks earlier, Maradona and Pele had their private chat. Pele, wanting to learn more about Messi’s personality, asked: “Diego, do you know Messi personally?”

Maradona, who coached Messi at the 2010 World Cup, replied: “Yes, yes, but…”

Pele interjected: “Is he a good person? I don’t know him, I know him from…”

Maradona then said: “He is a good person, but he has no personality. He doesn’t have much personality, like how to be a leader.”

Pele responded: “Ah, I understand. Like there were many [players like this] in our time.”

Maradona added: “Exactly, many players, many…”

Pele then said: “In 1970, there was Rivelino. I was speaking about Messi, the Argentina of Messi. He said that Messi is a great player, there is no doubt, but he has no personality.” Watch the clip below:

While Messi has let his gifted feet do most of the talking during his illustrious career, there’s no doubt that his leadership qualities have massively improved since Maradona and Pele’s conversation.

Every player in Argentina’s most-recent squads would run through a brick wall for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has helped to cultivate an extraordinary team spirit with the help of manager Lionel Scaloni.

Messi, who reversed his decision to retire from international duty after a mass public appeal in August 2016, might be a very different character to Pele and Maradona – but he’s demonstrated over the past 10 years that he also has plenty of personality.

Liverpool are set for a busy summer transfer window, as Andoni Iraola is in the middle of building a squad capable of playing his style of play for next season.

Work has already been done to land some new signings, with Jeremy Jacquet arriving after a deal was agreed earlier this year, while Victor Munoz was signed from Osasuna as an early arrival.

However, there is an expectation that more deals will be on the way for Liverpool. A move for Yan Diomande is in the works, with a deal that could exceed £100 million.

While that would add some firepower, the Reds will also need to consider some sales. Among those angling for an exit is Federico Chiesa.

Federico Chiesa Eyed By Clubs

Chiesa continues to be linked with an exit this summer, as the forward looks for a new challenge to get himself back in and around some first-team action.

The Italian international has struggled since his move to Anfield, as injuries impacted his early time, while he has failed to regain his best form with the limited opportunities he has received since.

A move away seems likely, but it will depend on the interest he receives and whether it matches the valuation set by Liverpool. According to Calciomercato, there are three teams eyeing up a potential move.

Juventus are linked with a return for Chiesa, where he impressed a few years ago, with the star already admitting that the club has a special place in his heart.

That may not stop a move to their rivals, however, as Inter Milan and Napoli have also been linked with interest in the winger for this summer.

The report adds that Chiesa will have a month to decide on his future, and it’s unclear exactly which of those three clubs he could end up at.

Competition Is Good For Chiesa Sale

As Liverpool look for a potential sale for Chiesa, there will be some hope that competition for his signature will help maximise the value they can extract this summer.

The Reds paid just £12.5 million for the winger, a fee that can easily be matched or exceeded this summer by the Serie A clubs showing interest.

Any money from that deal could then help balance the books, especially with the expensive move for Diomande, as well as the deal for Munoz.

Considering the recent transfer spend, it’s important that Liverpool continue to find ways to raise funds to be active in the market going forward.