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

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Daily Mirror IconSportFootballPremier LeagueThe Liverpool head coach had claimed Alexander Isak had joined the Premier League champions from a "smaller club" - something which hasn't sat well with the Toon bossNewcastle 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.READ MORE: Liverpool boss Arne Slot risks backlash with Alexander Isak 'smaller club' commentsREAD MORE: Rafa Benitez takes 17th managerial job to become highest-paid boss in league historyThe 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.

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. 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."Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.

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