City slam Luiz permit blow

PEP GUARDIOLA has hit out at the timing of the decision to reject Douglas Luiz’s work permit application. The Brazil midfielder, 20, who joined Manchester City for £10.7million from Vasco Da Gama last summer, is now set to go out on loan again. Guardiola claimed he could have signed another player if the decision had been made in advance of the transfer window closing. ‘I would have preferred it if it wasn’t announced yesterday,’ he said. ‘If they decide the rules are the rules, let me know 15 days ago and maybe we can decide what we can do. ‘But one day before and you decide he can’t play because, I don’t know, he’s not tall enough, doesn’t play enough, games in the past or something like that. ‘It’s so difficult for me to understand. The manager of Brazil (Tite) and myself know more than the guys who decide he is not able to play. ‘It is stupid to say he won’t play.’

LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp has again taken aim at Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, saying he would rather be a ‘bad loser’ than adopt the Spaniard’s win-at-all-costs style. Liverpool striker Mo Salah dislocated his shoulder under a Ramos challenge in May’s Champions League final.