Eddie Howe hits back at Liverpool boss Arne Slot after sly Newcastle United jibe

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has hit back at Liverpool counterpart Arne Slot following his "smaller club" dig in midweek.

The £125million striker was substituted at half-time of Liverpool's 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The Swede was taken off with a groin injury.

Speaking post-match, Slot would suggest that Isak had moved to Anfield from a "smaller club" - in what was seen as a pointed dig at the North East club, following the summer transfer saga during which Isak downed tools and effectively went on strike to force a move.

The Dutchman said, when asked about Isak's fitness and preparations for the new season: "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 .

On Friday Howe had his say, defending the club's facilities and insisting all players are treated with incredible professionalism at the Magpies' Benton HQ base. Speaking on Friday, Howe refused to rise to Slot's bait, declaring: "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."

Asked about the size of the club and whether he needed to go into bat for the supporters after Slot's remarks, Howe calmly stated: "I don't feel I have to do that."

Champions League Newcastle United Liverpool Eddie Howe Arne Slot Transfer Rumor

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