Tuchel says Manchester City allegations are a ‘natural human concern’ for England players

Thomas Tuchel says the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City is a “natural human reaction” for the club’s players in the England squad, who regularly discuss the situation while away on international duty.

England are preparing to face Croatia in the third round of the Nations League, with the Manchester City case forming part of the background to their preparations.

Asked whether the reports about Manchester City were affecting his players, England manager Tuchel said he could not say whether they were proving a distraction.

“I don’t know whether it is a source of distraction or not. That is the honest answer,” he told reporters. “But of course, it is a subject of discussion. We talk about it at dinner, whether we are sitting in groups of eight or 12, and of course we talk about it at breakfast.

“I know that the Manchester City players are receiving a lot, a lot of messages, phone calls and comments about this.”

Tuchel was also asked whether the City players in the England squad were worried by the situation.

“Is it a concern for the City players in the England squad? I think it is a natural human reaction when you do not know what is happening to the club you have signed a contract with,” he said.

“They are still young and ambitious, and they are being told that their club is completely innocent, while they do not know the reality of what is happening. So yes, I think it is a subject that occupies their thoughts.”

The English FA has brought 115 charges against Manchester City. The allegations include 54 charges relating to the provision of inaccurate financial information, 35 concerning an alleged failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations and 14 linked to the non-disclosure of details about player and coach wages.

The club also faces seven alleged breaches of profitability and sustainability rules, as well as five alleged breaches of UEFA regulations.

England’s squad includes two players from Manchester City: Elliott Anderson, who joined the club in the summer, and Marc Guehi, who moved to City in January.

England are second in the group with three points, ahead of Croatia on goal difference. Spain lead the standings with a maximum six points, while Czech Republic are bottom without a point.

The meeting with Croatia will be England’s third match of the Nations League campaign.