England boss Thomas Tuchel has apologised to Jude Bellingham after describing the Real Madrid star's on-pitch behaviour as "repulsive".
Bellingham's competitive personality has led to questions over his temperament after several high-profile rows.
Tuchel said in an interview the day after England's 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal in June that he loved the 22-year-old's "fire" but revealed his mother found some of the midfielder's antics repulsive.
The German has now said sorry to Bellingham, who is absent from the England squad for September's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia after shoulder surgery.
"I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear," Tuchel said on Friday.
"I had no intention, there was no message, there was no hidden agenda.
"I fully understand it's my responsibility that I created these headlines. I'm sorry for the upset and for the headlines that I created."
"I am sorry for the headlines I created."
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 29, 2025
After describing Jude Bellingham's behaviour on the pitch as "repulsive" during an interview in the last international break, Thomas Tuchel says he used the word "unintentionally." pic.twitter.com/TrukVExcpl
As a former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain boss, Tuchel admitted he should have had the experience to handle the situation better.
"I'm experienced enough, I should have known better and should have done better," he said.
"I thought I have a little bit more credit with you guys, that I do all this in my second language.
"I did it on the morning after a loss and not a lot of sleep. I did it in a live interview and I used the wrong word."
Conceding his use of the word repulsive was inappropriate, Tuchel added: "It's my responsibility. I used the wrong word.
"I didn't want to use this word. I used it. I created the opposite. It's my responsibility.
"I made straight away contact with him, of course and I got in touch with him straight away. Jude's focus is now in his rehabilitation."