LONDON: Thomas Tuchel has said Manchester City are the talk of the town in the England camp after the club was found guilty of several breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
He, however, stressed that the case would not influence his decision in selecting players for the match against Croatia, this Sunday.
The independent commission’s decision announced earlier this week has sparked a major shock in English football.
City, who have dominated the EPL for the past 15 years, face severe punishment including the possibility of being relegated from the top division.
Marc Guehi and Elliott Anderson are the two City players still in Tuchel’s squad for the UEFA Nations League match against Croatia in Rijeka after Nico O’Reilly was forced to withdraw through injury.
“We have a little break and a period between matches, and it’s a big topic,” Tuchel said in a press conference today.
“Of course the players are talking about it, so are the City players and we have spoken to them too, but briefly.
“They’re ready to go out and play, that’s what they’ve shown on the field and in camp, but of course it’s a big topic.”
City denies any wrongdoing and has appealed the decision.
However, if they fail to overturn the commission’s decision, City are likely to face at least a points deduction, which could affect their position in the Premier League.
Tuchel was asked whether the club’s players would still be considered for selection if they played in a lower division.
“There are always possibilities,” he said. “I will always try to choose the best team for the camp, for the matches and for the tournament. I will not exclude those who do not play in the top league of their country.
“So, we need to look at this on a case-by-case basis.”
England’s meeting with Croatia, which will take place behind closed doors, is the third of four Nations League matches in this international window.
The Three Lions lost 3-2 to world champions Spain at home last weekend, but bounced back to beat the Czech Republic 2-0 yesterday.