Alexander Isak (pictured) and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze (inset)placeholder image
Alexander Isak (pictured) and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze (inset) | Getty Images
Alexander Isak could learn a thing or two from Arsenal-bounce Eberechi Eze at Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has insisted Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi will play in the Conference League tonight.
That is despite both players angling for moves - with Eze set to join Arsenal after coming close to signing for bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. As for Guehi, the captain, he is understood to be hopeful of joining Liverpool before the window slams shut.
In comments that are relevant at Newcastle United given the Alexander Isak saga, the Eagles boss has highlighted how Eze and Guehi are “committed” to the cause for as long as they remain under contract at Selhurst Park. The same cannot be said for the Magpies’ wantaway Swede - who has not kicked a ball since May.
Isak has downed tools in an attempt to force a move to Liverpool before the September 1 deadline. A damning statement - which Newcastle later refuted - claimed broken promises are why he wishes to leave.
Oliver Glasner on Crystal Palace duo
Palace are set to take on Norwegian outfit Fredrikstad in their first competitive European fixture. The star pair are thought to be desperate to play despite the transfer noise - just as they were at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
Glasner praised his wantaway duo in a manner that Newcastle could only dream of doing regarding Isak. He told reporters: “Many of you were surprised they started against Chelsea. You may be surprised they will start tomorrow because of all the rumours. “But they are committed to the team, they have a contract here and want to play a crucial part in our success.
“They will play a crucial part for as long as they are here. If they leave, they want to leave as the guys who gave 100 per cent to Crystal Palace. This is what they have done since they signed many years ago and this is what we expect from them until the end.”
Alexander Isak statement in full
Isak’s statement on Tuesday failed to directly acknowledge Howe or the Newcastle supporters.He wrote on Instagram: “I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."
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Newcastle United response
“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,”the announcement read. “We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.
“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.
“We do not foresee those conditions being met. This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”
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