Nagelsmann speaks out for open approach to homosexuality in football

Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has spoken out in favour of an open approach to homosexuality in football.

"I think it’s a real shame that we still have to discuss this. It’s a shame that you have to ask me this question," he told broadcaster RTL in an interview.

The topic is already well-established in society, but "in football, unfortunately, it will probably take a little longer. I don’t think that’s right," Nagelsmann said.

His statements came after St Pauli under-19 coach Christian Dobrick come out as gay and criticized the top-level of the men's game for failing to support homosexuals. Nagelsmann praised Dobrick's "courage to do it."

There has so far been no coming-out by an active professional in Germany's top three men's leagues. The situation is very different in women's football, where a player's sexual orientation has long ceased to matter.