Tuchel Reveals Concerns Among City Stars Ahead of Croatia Clash

Thomas Tuchel has hinted that Manchester City's England players are feeling anxious about the club's ongoing financial investigation. Discussions around the situation have become a frequent topic at team meals, especially as the squad prepares for their Nations League showdown against Croatia. In a candid assessment, Tuchel admitted that the uncertainty surrounding City’s future is indeed a concern for the players. "If I say now it’s not, I can just speak for myself, which would be totally narrow-minded," he remarked. The head coach acknowledged that while it’s a significant topic of conversation, it’s hard to gauge if it truly disrupts their focus on the pitch. Tuchel noted, "It is of course a topic and we speak about it at dinner and breakfast. I know the Man City players receive a lot of messages and calls regarding the situation. Are they worried? That would be a normal reaction if you’re unsure about the future of the club you’ve signed with. They’re young and ambitious, and they’ve been told they are innocent, yet they’re still in the dark about the whole scenario." While the Football Association blocked further questions about the implications of the City case for English football, Tuchel emphasized that his priority is his current squad. He has named three City players in the camp: Elliot Anderson, Marc Guéhi, and Nico O’Reilly, who has unfortunately pulled out due to injury. Tuchel believes both Guéhi and Anderson are ready to step up against Croatia, despite their mixed performances in previous matches. England currently sits second in Group A3 with three points from two games. Jordan Pickford will reclaim his position as the starting goalkeeper, and Tuchel faces a decision on whether to reinstate Jarell Quansah at right-back after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impressive display against the Czech Republic. Alexander-Arnold, who didn't feature in the last encounter with Croatia back in 2018, finds his place uncertain. Tuchel pondered whether this is a crucial moment for the Real Madrid defender, who is about to turn 28. "Once you are in camp, it’s a big opportunity if other players are unavailable. Trent is a unique player who doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a right-back," Tuchel commented. He also emphasized the importance of Alexander-Arnold building chemistry with Bukayo Saka, noting that Saka thrives with dynamic movement around him. "They need to ensure they’re not too static and focus on fluid play. It’s a challenge for Trent to step outside his comfort zone, but he’s working on it," Tuchel added. On the topic of Saka, Tuchel expressed satisfaction with the Arsenal winger’s current form. After struggling with fitness during the World Cup, Saka has been a consistent performer for his club this season. "He had a strong start, and I can see he’s pain-free now. Last season, he was influential but played through discomfort. Now, he’s more involved and dangerous, yet there’s still more to come when he dons the England jersey."