DFB director Oliver Bierhoff (53) has criticized the reporting on the unvaccinated Joshua Kimmich (26, Bavaria) – with a questionable comparison.
At a press conference of the Robert Enke Foundation, Bierhoff recalled the “decisive day” when national goalkeeper Robert Enke († 32) committed suicide twelve years ago because of depression.
Bierhoff: “Of course I have also thought of situations like this over the past few months when you consider how Jogi is being beaten, and we recently had the same with Jo Kimmich. Then you often think of the fact that back then, after Robert’s incident, there was a lot of discussion in the media, can we still do that, isn’t the pressure to perform too high? Of course, and I wasn’t surprised, the same thing happens over and over again in the media. “
When asked by BILD, Bierhoff explains his comparison: “Nothing is further from me than equating the tragic circumstances surrounding Robert Enke’s illness with current discussions about the vaccination status of national players. If the impression arose that I did that, I’m sorry. ”Bierhoff did not want his statement to be understood as a media scolding.
Widow Teresa Enke, the Enke Foundation and the former Enke consultant Jörg Neblung did not want to comment. But the statements were felt to be rather unfortunate. Because while Enke was mentally ill, Kimmich is questioned in his role model in the fight over Corona.
As the contact person for Niklas Süle (26, Bavaria) who tested positive, the midfield star is currently in quarantine. The Bavarians could suspend the continued payment of wages for the unvaccinated professional, but Kimmich continues to receive his full salary, according to BILD information.
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