England boss Tuchel plays down impact of Man City news on squad
Thomas Tuchel says he did not sense any distraction among England’s Manchester City players following the latest developments surrounding the club’s financial charges.
The England boss admitted he could understand if City players had discussed the situation among themselves, but insisted it was not something he raised with the squad ahead of the 3-2 defeat to Spain.
It comes after reports that City have been found guilty on almost all of the financial breaches they are accused of by the Premier League.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has since issued a statement maintaining the club’s innocence and insisting that there is a “long way to go” in the legal process.
“Not for me but I can imagine maybe for the Manchester City players,” Tuchel said when asked whether the news had affected preparations.
“I will not comment on that. I think it’s an ongoing court case so I won’t comment on that.
“I didn’t make it a topic. It was no topic for me.”
Tuchel said his focus throughout the international camp had remained solely on football, although he accepted players may have spoken about the situation away from meetings and training.
“I hear news the latest in camp, I feel all the time, so just thinking about Spain and training and meetings. Not for me,” he added.
“For the players, they have more time than me, so for sure I can imagine that they talk about it but it’s good that they do and I didn’t feel them distracted.”
