German soccer coach Julian Nagelsmann denounces discriminatory poll questioning team's diversity

German national soccer coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke out against a "racist" poll during a press briefing on Sunday. The poll, carried out by German public broadcaster ARD, revealed that 21% of 1,304 participants believed that the national team should have more White players for Euro 2024, which Germany will host from June 14 to July 14.

Nagelsmann agreed with midfielder Joshua Kimmich that the question from the broadcaster was racist, calling it madness. "I see this in exactly the same way. This question is insane," the 36-year-old coach said.

There are individuals in Europe who have been forced to leave their homes due to reasons such as war, economic hardships, or environmental catastrophes, as well as those who are seeking refuge.

"We need to question what actions we are taking currently. Here in Germany, we are thriving, and it is concerning how we choose to ignore and overlook such pressing issues," Nagelsmann expressed.

Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, and Antonio Rudiger are some of the players expected to play a key role in Germany's quest for a record fourth Euros title. Gundogan, born in Germany to Turkish parents, is the team's captain.

In an ARD survey, one of the questions asked was whether it's a "pity that the current captain of the German national team has Turkish roots."

Germany will be among the favorites to win this year's European Championship.

Germany will be among the favorites to win this year's European Championship.

Stefan Matzke/sampics/Corbis Sport/Getty Images

Earlier on Saturday, when asked about the poll, Kimmich described it as “absolute nonsense” and “absolutely racist.”

“I would really, really miss a lot of the players if they weren’t here,” Kimmich said.

“Therefore, that is absolutely racist and has no place in our dressing room.

"When we have a home European Championship coming up, it seems ridiculous to even pose that question. This tournament is about bringing the whole country together," the 29-year-old remarked.

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CNN has reached out to ARD for comment.

ARD decided to conduct a survey after one of its reporters was asked about the team while making a documentary on diversity in soccer. They wanted to have concrete data to refer to. The survey took place on April 2-3 and included both telephone and online interviews.

ARD's sports director, Karl Valks, expressed disappointment over the results and mentioned that they reflect the current social situation in Germany, according to the BBC.

In response to concerns that the number "4" on Germany's national soccer jerseys resembled a logo used by Nazi paramilitary units, German soccer authorities announced a redesign in April.

The German Football Association (DFB) recently announced their decision after social media users started using an online service to design shirts with the number "44" - which resembled the Schutzstaffel, or SS, logo.

Euro 2024 host Germany is set to begin the month-long tournament against Scotland at Munich's Allianz Arena on June 14.

CNN’s A.K. Pohlers and Stephanie Halasz contributed reporting.

Editor's P/S:

The poll conducted by German public broadcaster ARD, which revealed that 21% of participants believed the national team should have more White players, has sparked outrage and condemnation. German national soccer coach Julian Nagelsmann and midfielder Joshua Kimmich have denounced the question as racist and unacceptable. They rightly point out that the team's diversity is a strength and that such