Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has addressed Arne Slot’s remarks following Alexander Isak’s injury for Liverpool earlier this week. Howe discussed the top-quality facilities at the Magpies’ training ground and emphasised that every player receives exceptional care. The manager remained composed regarding Slot’s insinuation and declined to engage in controversy, whilst commending his coaching team after Isak made the decision to down tools.
The striker picked up a groin injury during the Reds’ commanding midweek victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Slot subsequently emerged following the match and implied he had secured the player from a “smaller club” in what appeared to be a thinly-veiled swipe at Newcastle.
Speaking during his pre-match press briefing, Howe remarked: “I don’t think it is wise for me to get involved in those discussions. Alex is no longer at this football club. It is best to stay away from it.”
Addressing a query regarding facilities, Howe commented: “The set-up is here is very good. It is not perfect, there are things to improve and grow.
“The owners here have developed the facilities and you can see there is building work going on. Hopefully that will help us be even better in the future.
“But I have no complaints, we have elite athletes here, many of them, touch wood they are managing pretty well.”
Howe, when asked to defend the club’s stature following Slot’s comments, responded: “I don’t feel I have to do that.”
The Liverpool manager, when questioned about Isak’s fitness and readiness, stated: “I don’t think there’s a rule that every single player has the same.
“But it also depends on what he did when he didn’t train with the team, what the impact is if you go to a new club as a big signing.
“So you cannot compare, maybe a player who hasn’t trained or played in pre-season at a smaller club than if you go to Liverpool.
“There are many factors that you have to take into account and there is not one thing if it’s possible or not. It’s a thin balance. If you missed out on pre-season then some march through it and some unfortunately get injured again.”