Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has ignited a firestorm of controversy after branding new England head coach Thomas Tuchel a German spy and appearing to perform a Nazi salute during a charity event in London last week. The remarks, captured in a video obtained by The Guardian, have drawn widespread attention and criticism, overshadowing Tuchels promising start with the Three Lions.
Redknapp, 78, who previously managed Tottenham, Portsmouth, and West Ham, made the comments while fielding questions at the event, which took place before Tuchels first matches as England manager. When asked about the Germans appointment, Redknapp responded, Ill be honest with you; I think hes a German spy. Im telling you. Seriously, hes been sent over to f*** us up. He has. He went on to compare Tuchel to Lord Haw Haw, a notorious figure who broadcast Nazi propaganda during World War II, saying, Im telling you, hes like Lord Haw Haw in the war We have your best soldiers captured and all that.
The former manager then adopted a crude German accent, saying Ja, and raised his left arm in a gesture that appeared to mimic a Nazi salute, according to footage from the event. The audience reportedly laughed and applauded, after which Redknapp quipped, Im going, Ive got to go and see my accountant, before leaving the stage. He also noted that he had not been paid for his appearance at the charity event.
Tuchel, who was appointed in October 2024, is the first German to manage the England mens national team and the third foreign coach in the role, following Sven-Gran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. The 51-year-old has enjoyed a strong start, leading England to consecutive World Cup qualifying victories over Albania (2-0) and Latvia (3-0) last week, with the team scoring five goals and conceding none. A Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021 and a Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich, Tuchel was brought on board with an 18-month contract to guide England through the 2026 World Cup and end the nations long wait for major silverware.
Redknapps remarks have sparked debate, with some viewing them as a tasteless attempt at humor, while others have condemned them as xenophobic and inappropriate, especially given the historical connotations of the gesture. The incident has also reignited discussions about the acceptance of foreign managers in English football, a topic that has been contentious since Tuchels appointment. At the time, the Daily Mail labeled it a dark day for England, while the German ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, dismissed such sentiments as outdated, noting that England has had foreign coaches before.
Redknapps representatives have been approached for comment, but no official response has been issued as of yet. Meanwhile, Tuchels focus remains on his role with England, as he aims to build on his early successes and navigate the team through the challenges of World Cup qualification.
The controversy serves as a reminder of the sensitivities surrounding national identity in football, particularly as England looks to a foreign coach to deliver long-awaited success on the global stage. For now, Redknapps comments have cast an unfortunate shadow over what has otherwise been a positive start for Tuchel and the Three Lions.
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