Jurgen Klopp responds to Man City accusations of xenophobia, long-term Pontos Jansson out and Man United are said to be.
Here are today’s English football news headlines.
Today’s talk: Klopp responds to City
“Klopp: I’m not racist” is the headline adorning the Sportita Daily Mail on Wednesday. The story occupies a lot of space in most English newspapers, albeit with the alternative headline “Klopp: I’m not a xenophobe”.
The coach denied Manchester City’s accusations that his comments before the weekend’s meeting “reduce xenophobia”. The claim relates to the fact that traveling fans sang derogatory songs about the victims of the Hillsborough disaster at Anfield. A reaction that Klopp provoked through his statement regarding the opposing team before the match, according to Man City. Liverpool are currently looking into taking legal action against City and the Football Association condemns the chanting of the fans.
So what did Klopp say? The coach believes that his team cannot compete with the state-owned clubs due to financial disagreements. City, in turn, notes that Klopp singled out clubs with owners from the Gulf states (the only state-owned clubs in the world).
– In this particular case, I don’t feel anything, Klopp responds when he makes accusations.
– I know my self. If I was (xenophobic) I would hate myself. I often said things that opened the door to misunderstanding, I know that. But this is not intentional, sometimes you say things and then think “Oh my God! It can be perceived that way!”. This case was not at all like that.
Today’s quote: Hao con Klopp
“I am fully aware that millions upon millions of people are watching me, especially children, and then I think you can expect the match to continue in the right way and in the right manner,” says Eddie Howe at the Newcastle press conference, according to The Guardian.
The coach refers to the actions of colleague Jurgen Klopp during the meeting with Manchester City (when he received a red card). Howe also defended Newcastle FC, which is owned by a Saudi investment fund, and believes it is wrong to claim that the club “has no financial ceiling”.
Swedish injuries today: Jansson is out for a long time
Brentford coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that Pontus Jansson will be sidelined for an extended period with a thigh injury.
– Maybe even the World Cup Finals, Frank adds, according to The Athletic.
Dejan Kulusevsky is likely to return to the Tottenham squad to face Manchester United on Wednesday night.
– We’ll see, we’ll see, says Antonio Conte at his press conference.
– We are taking him day in and day out and the medical team is working hard for his recovery, but we don’t know how it will be against United.
Today’s other injuries: the new interruptions in the bathroom
Diogo Jota (Liverpool) and N’Golo Kante (Chelsea) are the last players to miss the World Cup finals in Qatar due to injuries. Jota injured his calf in the match with Manchester City and Kante underwent hip surgery. Big losses for Portugal and France, respectively.
Today’s Action: Man United has been reported
The FA accused Manchester United of failing to control their players during last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle, The Times reports. Angry United players surrounded referee Craig Pawson after he rejected what appeared to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s opening goal.
The club has until Thursday to respond to the appeal.