The Newcastle coach on the eve of Wednesday’s match against Borussia Dortmund: “I’ll prepare for the match with him on the pitch, until they tell me otherwise”
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Newcastle won’t give up on Tonali. “Sandro is well and he has been training. As far as I know, I expect him to be available,” says Eddie Howe on the eve of the Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund. The Italian is waiting for the plea agreement for the disqualification on the betting case to be made official, but the Magpies’ position is clear: until they receive official communication that Tonali can play, they will consider him available.
in a group
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Tonali worked with the team both on Monday and this morning, in training which was also open to the press for 15 minutes. “I am preparing for the match with Sandro available and I will continue to do so until they tell me otherwise – explains Howe, the only one from Newcastle authorized to speak about the matter -. He’s fine: there are obviously things going on, but the situation is no different to what it was before Saturday’s match against Crystal Palace.” Tonali played the last 20 minutes of that match, which Newcastle won 4-0: he came onto the pitch in jubilation at St. James’ Park, the same stadium that is ready to rally around him again tomorrow, if he really had to play. “I think what happened on Saturday at the end of the match, the lap of honor and the applause from the fans, were very emotional for Sandro. And I think they will help him in the long term – continues Howe -. The love he received from the fans is something to remember regardless of what happens, something to hold on to.”
the situation
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While Tonali’s lawyers and the FIGC Prosecutor’s Office continue to negotiate the plea agreement, football continues. Howe also avoids questions about possible UEFA pressure to speed up the process, to ensure that the disqualification is made official and extended worldwide before 9pm in Italy tomorrow, before Newcastle-Borussia Dortmund. “How can I know if UEFA is against Sandro playing? asks Howe. I concentrated on preparing for the match and I want to continue doing so. Nobody has said anything to me yet.” Newcastle’s position is clear: Tonali is at the manager’s disposal until proven otherwise. And if the disqualification does not arrive in time for kick-off of Newcastle-Borussia Dortmund, if Howe deems it necessary the blue will be on the pitch.
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