Thomas Tuchel says the verdict involving Manchester City has become a major topic within the England camp, with players discussing the club’s case ahead of Saturday’s Nations League match against Croatia.
England are in Rijeka preparing for the fixture, a week after Manchester City were found guilty of the vast majority of financial impropriety charges brought against them by the Premier League.
Tuchel said the issue had been widely discussed during the players’ time away between matches, but made clear he did not want to comment beyond what was already known.
“We had some time off between the matches and it is a big subject,” said Tuchel. “Everyone speaks about it, so there is no other voice needed. I am glad to be not that voice. No one needs my half knowledge on the topic.
“Of course, the players talk about it. City players talk about it. We talk with them but only briefly. They are ready to go tomorrow. But of course, it’s a big topic in the camp.”
Elliot Anderson and Marc Guehi are the two Manchester City representatives in the England squad. Nico O’Reilly withdrew from the group this week and returned to his club for an assessment on an injury.
O’Reilly had played the full match in England’s 3-2 defeat by Spain under Tuchel, but was absent for Tuesday’s 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall replaced him in that match.
Tuchel also indicated that Manchester City players would remain eligible for England selection even if the club were relegated from the Premier League as a punishment, should the appeal against the verdict be unsuccessful.
“I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, occasion, the tournament,” he said. “I will never rule out that because they don’t play in the top flight in their country. We need to look at it case by case.”
Manchester City confirmed on Friday morning that they had appealed against the independent commission’s verdict.
“The club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe,” the club said.
“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions relating to this case.
“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”
