The Liverpool boss had thrown shade on Newcastle United’s name with a suggestion Alexander Isak had came from a “smaller club”
09:45, 24 Oct 2025Updated 10:48, 24 Oct 2025
(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has responded to Arne Slot’s comments following Alexander Isak’s injury for Liverpool this week.
Howe spoke about the first-class facilities at Newcastle’s Benton HQ and said that all players are treated with an incredible degree of professionalism. Howe was dignified about Slot’s suggestion and refused to take the bait, but praised his backroom staff after Isak refused to train with the squad and made the decision to down tools.
The Sweden international went off injured with a groin injury during the Reds’ 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Slot then came out in the aftermath of the game and suggested he had arrived at Anfield from a “smaller club” in a pointed dig at Newcastle.
Howe, speaking at his pre-match Press conference, said: “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.”
When responding to a question from Chronicle Live on facilities, Howe said: “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 was also asked to go into bat for the supporters and defend the size of the club after Slot’s remarks, but said: “I don’t feel I have to do that.”
The Liverpool boss, asked about Isak’s fitness and preparations, had said: “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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
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