Slot fires shots at Newcastle calling them 'smaller club', Howe won't put up with that
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 24.10.25. | 20:38
Alexander Isak's transfer lit a fuse, starting a dispute that is slowly but steadily evolving into an actual war
What started as one of the most anticipated moves in the previous transfer window unexpectedly evolved into an open war between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
Alexander Isak eventually left the Magpies to join the Reds, triggering an almost palpable antagonism between the two clubs.
Isak suffered a groin injury on Wednesday against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League and will be sidelined for quite some time, having scored just one goal from eight appearances since his £125 million move to Anfield.
After the match, the Liverpool boss suggested that Newcastle's treatment of Isak during his notorious strike led to him being unconditioned when he arrived on Merseyside.
"I don't think there's a rule that every single player has the same (pre-season preparation). 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," said Slot and added:
"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."
Responding to those claims, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said:
"The set-up here is very good. It is not perfect; we've got things to improve and grow. But the owners here have developed the facilities since I've been here very, very well.
"You can see there is building work going on currently to hopefully deliver even better in the future. But I have no complaints. We've got elite athletes here, many of them, and touch wood, we're managing them pretty well at the moment."
Howe was asked if he would defend the size of his club, after the fanbase were irritated by Slot's claims. It was put to Howe that Newcastle are currently eighth in the Champions League table, ahead of Liverpool, and beat them in last season's League Cup final:
"I like the way you've worded that… encouraging me to go into bat!" he laughed. "I don't have to do that, I don't feel. You've done it for me, reeling off all those things! But you obviously know what my answer would be."
Earlier, when asked to respond to Slot, Howe said: "I don't think that's wise for me to get involved in those discussions. Alex is no longer at this football club, so I won't comment on it."
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9
Friday
22.00: (1.85) Leeds (3.60) West Ham (4.80)
Saturday
17.00: (1.40) Chelsea (4.60) Sunderland (8.00)
17.00: (1.65) Newcastle (3.70) Fulham (5.60)
19.30: (2.00) Manchester Utd. (3.50) Brighton (3.70)
22.00: (4.20) Brentford (4.30) Liverpool (1.75)
Sunday
17.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.50) Crystal Palace (7.75)
17.00: (4.40) Aston Villa (3.50) Manchester City (1.85)
17.00: (1.75) Bournemouth (3.90) Nottingham Forest (4.50)
17.00: (2.00) Wolverhampton (3.35) Burnley (4.00)
19.30: (2.40) Everton (3.35) Tottenham (2.95)
***odds are subject to change***
