Thomas Tuchel has revealed the guilty verdict against Manchester City has been a hot topic of discussion within the England camp in recent days.
Premier League statement and charges
On Tuesday afternoon, the Premier League published a strongly-worded statement that accused City of arranging “sham” contracts and relying on “sham” agreements over a nine-year period during which an independent commission found them guilty of 114 of the 115 charges against them relating to financial mismanagement.
City are expected to be handed a severe and unprecedented punishment if the Premier League ruling is upheld after an appeal. The Manchester club has confirmed it has lodged an official appeal against the ruling ahead of Friday’s deadline to do so. City have insisted throughout that they have a body of “irrefutable evidence” that proves their innocence.
Tuchel on camp discussions
England head coach Tuchel was asked whether the Premier League side’s situation has been discussed internally within the camp in the days between Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and their away game in Croatia on Saturday.
“Yes, I guess so,” the German answered. “We had some time off and it is a big subject, but everyone speaks about it.
“No one needs my half-knowledge on the topic. Of course, the players talk about it. Of course, the City players talk about it. We have talked to them - but only briefly.”
Upcoming Croatia fixture
Tuchel continued: “Of course, it is a big topic, and a big topic in camp.”
The Three Lions are set to face Croatia, who they defeated 4-2 at the World Cup in the summer, at the Stadion HNK in Rijeka this weekend. It will be their penultimate fixture of the three-week international break.
