[ad_1]
Thomas Tuchel has defended Marcos Alonso over his decision to stop taking the knee.
Premier League players continue to take the knee before kick-off in Premier League games this season. This is a tradition that was started last year.
The action is indented to back the fight against racism, but while Alonso claims he is part of that fight, he no longer wants to take the knee because he feels the action is ‘losing a bit of strength’.
Instead, he is going to point to the ‘No to racism’ badge which is on every Premier League shirt while standing.
On the back of that revelation, Tuchel was asked about what he thought of the defender’s stance.
And he backed his defender, reassured that the Spaniard is ‘1000% committed’ against racism.
“It’s not a discussion within the group but of course if a player takes a decision like this, we are not in a bubble of course,” he said in his press conference, as streamed live.
“I trust him 1000% that he is committed against racism. It is undisputed. We all oppose it.
“Marcos took his decision, and it’s a decision we accept. He explained his reasons, and the discussion can be ended or continued in a productive manner to do more.
“Once you do a gesture, everybody does it, it becomes normal. It might reduce the effect. If this is [Marcos’] point, I can see it.
MORE: Chelsea dealt injury blow ahead of Villa clash
“We can discuss. He is quite aware of it. He’s experienced and responsible enough. It should be common to be against racism.
“I understand that Marcos thinks there is more to do, this is right. We need to use the platform and possibilities we have together, performances together, by living by example.”
It remains to be seen how Alonso’s stance will be greeted, though we could find out on Wednesday night when Chelsea face Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.
Alonso will likely be in contention to play in this game. If not, it’s possible that he will face Manchester City in the Premier League.
[ad_2]
