“He came into my space.”

Speaking at a post-match presser at the Allianz Arena last night, 1. FC Union Berlin trainer Nenad Bjelica apologized after a scuffle with Bayern attacker Leroy Sané led to his ejection in last night’s loss. The Croatian head-coach nevertheless stopped short of apologizing to Sané. 

FC Union Berlin head-coach Nenad Bjelica’s first comments since a touchline scuffle with Leroy Sané led to his ejection from last night’s Bundesliga make-up fixture at the Allianz were only apologetic up to a point. The 52-year-old acknowledged that his behavior was improper, but still let it be known that he felt provoked,

“I didn’t react the way I should as a coach,” Bjelica said, “What I did is not right and cannot be tolerated. I have to apologize to my team.”

“I was in my area,” Bjelica nevertheless continued, “I wanted to grab the ball and give it to him. He then pushed me and I naturally reacted. He came into my space to provoke me.”

Union keeper Frederik Rønnow and newly acquired defensive captain Kevin Vogt were also asked about the incident in their post-match interviews with Sky Germany last night. Rønnow merely remarked that it was “a shame”.

Vogt – while emphasizing that Bjelica’s behavior remained “inexcusable” – also said he felt his coach to be “well provoked” after watching the scene on the monitor in the interview area. Vogt then once again shut the topic down by repeating “inexcusable, full stop”.

An editorial appearing Thursday morning on the website of Germany’s preeminent footballing publication goes so far as to suggest that Union may wish to consider parting company with their coach. Journalist Janis Klimburg writes that the club may not need such a distraction amid their relegation fight.

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