Tuchel Says Man City Financial Case Is Major Talking Point in England Camp

Thomas Tuchel says Manchester City’s financial-rule case has been a “big topic” among England players ahead of their Nations League encounter with Croatia, but insists it will not determine his team selection.

An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of multiple breaches of Premier League financial regulations earlier this week, a decision that has caused significant reaction across English football.

The Premier League giants could face severe punishment, potentially including expulsion from the top flight.

Only two City players, Marc Guehi and Elliott Anderson, remain in Tuchel’s England squad for Saturday’s game in Rijeka after Nico O’Reilly was ruled out through injury.

“We had some time off and some time between the matches, and it’s a big subject,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“Of course the players talk about it, and City players talk about it, and we talk to them, but only briefly.

“They’re ready to go for tomorrow, that’s what they show on the pitch and that’s what they show in camp, but of course it’s a big topic.”

City have rejected the allegations and on Friday appealed the commission’s decision.

Unless the appeal succeeds, the club could be handed at least a points deduction, which could place their Premier League position under threat.

Tuchel was questioned about whether he would continue considering City players for England duty if the club were eventually competing in a lower division.

“There’s always a possibility,” he said. “I think I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament, and I will never rule out that they don’t play in the top flight in their country.

“So we need to look at this from case by case.”

England will face Croatia behind closed doors in their third match of four Nations League fixtures during the current international break.

Tuchel’s side were defeated 3-2 by world champions Spain at home last weekend but recovered with a 2-0 win against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Africans Angle News