Poch has Levy in a Real flap
ILKAY GUNDOGAN has backed team-mate Raheem Sterling in his fight against racism in football.
Sterling has sparked a national debate about the problems in the game after being subjected to alleged racist abuse during his side’s defeat at Chelsea last Saturday.
A police investigation is ongoing after the England star was targeted by fans at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hailed Sterling as “incredible” this week for standing up to the issue and insists the problem of racism is everywhere.
Vile
Gundogan, 28, was a victim himself during an international game for Germany earlier this season.
The City midfielder was subjected to vile abuse after launching a staunch defence of Mesut Ozil and supporting the Arsenal ace’s claims that he was the victim of racism in the wake of Germany’s calamitous exit from the summer World Cup.
Ozil and Gundogan had sparked controversy in Germany after the pair, who are both of Turkish descent, posed for a photograph before the tournament with autocratic Turkish president Recep Erdogan. man. He suffers. Because he’s jealous about me. It’s normal, no? He’s a very jealous person. Why is he jealous? Because of the rumours.”
Fears Pochettino may leave have grown since delays over the club’s new stadium were announced.
The Spurs manager says his boss does not react well to rumours.
He said: “He doesn’t laugh when we speak about it.
“Maybe he is worried, he is concerned about them. It’s not nice for Daniel to hear all that.
“But I prefer the newspapers are saying this than Tottenham are going to sack me or we are in a delicate situation. I’m not worried.” Ozil quit international football as a result of his treatment but Gundogan vowed to continue – and has promised to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sterling in the battle to stop racism.
The midfielder said: “Raheem has been normal to be honest.
“I think he made his point clear through Instagram, giving a statement on that.
“This is obviously something that doesn’t belong anywhere in the world.
“But it happens and we have to deal with it. It’s not easy because I lived it in the summer as well.
“I know how that feels and it hurts.
“But at the end of the day we have no other choice but to stay strong and try to go through that period and try to do our best on the football pitch.
“To keep being successful, that’s what matters.
“I think he has got a lot of support this week. Also the way Chelsea reacted was good. Obviously it’s something we all have to fight.
“We all have to play our individual roles to make it better for everyone.”
Chelsea this week suspended four people from attending matches pending further investigations. Pochettino has always insisted he is staying at Spurs, but asked whether he has to keep reassuring Levy of that, he said: “Me? No. In football there are many things you don’t need to do.
“If you reassure something it’s because you are thinking in different ways.”
Spurs, who host Burnley tomorrow, were forced to issue yet another apology to fans this week after admitting their home game with United on January 13 will have to be played at Wembley.
The club still do not have a set date for the completion of their new £1bn home, with fears growing it could yet be months before they do finally move.