Not Hareide's business to judge Huddersfield Town '“ Wagner

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN head coach David Wagner has confirmed that he has received an apology from Denmark coach Age Hareide for controversial comments regarding the future of Mathias Jorgensen.

Hareide stated to the Danish press that Jorgensen should look at leaving Town to join a “bigger Premier League club” to enhance his career prospects, views which angered his club.

Wagner said: “Honestly, I was very disappointed and maybe angry when I read these comments.

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“We all together know it was not his place to speak about this. But he has spoken with (Town sporting director) Olaf (Rebbe) and he called me as well and apologised.

Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner (Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire).Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner (Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire).
Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner (Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire).

“He did not want to say it how he said it at this moment and he knows this is not his business as it is not my business to speak and judge how big Denmark is compared to other football nations.

“I think it is not his business to speak about the size of our football club, but, as I said, he apologised and this means for me it is all good and we move on.”

Wagner says he is reading little into perceived injury problems at weekend opponents Liverpool and says good friend Jurgen Klopp is indulging in some pre-game kidology.

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Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk are among several Reds players said to be struggling for the John Smith’s Stadium clash, but Wagner expects them to be available.

Wagner said: “I know Jurgen long enough and know he likes to use some smokescreens. Don’t believe everything that you read.

“I expect most of his players to be on the grass on Saturday.”

Wagner has confirmed that defenders Tommy Smith, Terence Kongolo and midfielder Danny Williams will all miss tomorrow’s match through injury.

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Belgian winger Isaac Mbenza will be monitored today after coming back from international duties with a knee issue.

Ramadan Sobhi, back in training for the past ten days, will also be assessed and is set to be handed some game time in the development squad before being considered for the first team.

Midfielder Philip Billing is back training after returning from Denmark Under-21s international duties with an ankle issue, with Wagner hopeful he will be able to feature against the Merseyside club tomorrow.