Liverpool’s head coach has claimed that Alexander Isak joined the Premier League champions from a “smaller club”, something Thun did not like.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has hit back after Liverpool opponent Arne Slott targeted a “smaller club” in midweek.
The £125m striker was substituted at half-time of Liverpool’s 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night. The Swedish player was sent off with a groin injury.
Speaking after the match, Slott hinted that Isak had moved to Anfield from a “smaller club”. After the summer transfer drama, Isak was seen as a sharp bargain against the North East club after using tools and effectively going on strike to force a move.
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Asked about Isak’s fitness and preparation for the new season, the Dutchman said: “I don’t think there’s a rule that all players are the same. But it depends on what he’s been doing when he’s not training with the team and if he’s going to a new club as a big signing. “It depends on what the impact will be if he does. So you can’t make a comparison. Maybe you can’t compare a player who hasn’t had training or pre-season at a smaller club with someone who goes to Liverpool.”
On Friday, Howe spoke out in defense of the club’s facilities, insisting that all players are treated with incredible professionalism at the Magpies’ Benton home base. Speaking on Friday, Mr Howe refused to accept Mr Slott’s baiting, declaring: “I don’t think it would be wise for me to get involved in those discussions. Alex is no longer at this football club. It’s best to stay away from this club.”
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In response to questions from Chronicle Live about the facility, Howe said: “The facilities here are very good. It’s not perfect, but there are things to improve and grow. You can see that the owners here are developing the facilities and there is construction work going on.”
“Hopefully that will help us get even better going forward. But I’m not complaining. We’ve got elite players here, a lot of them have touched the wood and they’re managing pretty well.”
Asked about the size of the club and whether he would need to stand up to bat for supporters after Slott’s remarks, Howe calmly replied: “I don’t think there’s a need to do that.”
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