Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth has insisted there is no spit dressing room in the Sweden camp over Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.
[Sportbladet](https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/93PEG5/emil-krafth-stottade-isak-fornekar-spricka) cover comments from the defender today in which he insists the media have simply made-up reports about a potential rift in the Sweden camp.
Isak is with the Sweden squad for this international break, and it had been suggested there could be some tension given the presence of Newcastle duo Krafth and Anthony Elanga.
That would stem from the manner in which Isak has forced his move to Liverpool this summer, with several public statements and a refusal to play for Newcastle, even in pre-season. That ran throughout the summer transfer window until he got his move to Liverpool on deadline day.
Krafth, though, insists there is no tension or problems and wrote the entire idea off as media speculation.
“There were many who wanted to see Alex stay but you understand how football works. I wish him all the best in the future. For me, Alex is not just a footballer, but a close friend too,” he said.
“The media wrote that the locker room would be divided. That is certainly not true. Football players understand football players and we can only wish him the best of luck.
“As Anthony (Elanga) said, it has been very chill. No one has said or done anything. It is just taken out of thin air. You understand his and the club’s situation. Of course, they would have wanted to keep him, he is an incredibly good football player.”
Newcastle United fans have been left angry at the way Isak conducted himself this summer, particularly given he still had three years left on his deal at St James Park.
He was one of several players who forced the moves they wanted, with Newcastle having also benefitted from a similar situation with Yoann Wissa. He ended up moving to Newcastle from Brentford after his own series of statements.
Krafth can understand any such anger but insists fans shouldn’t read too much into the reports about the situation.
“We were in contact often and spoke on the phone,” he said.
“We also met. It’s clear that there were tough times for him but he’s also strong mentally. It’s clear that it was hard for him, but he got through it.
“It’s not easy that way. But you have to try not to read too much into it. You understand both sides. The fans’ frustration and that you want to keep your best player. And you understand Alex, that he might want to take the next step.”