Alexander Isak left Newcastle to join Liverpool in a controversial move this summer, with reports suggesting the striker's exit split the Newcastle United dressing room
Anthony Gordon (L) Emil Krafth (C) and Alexander Isak (R) walk out to warm up during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre
Emil Krafth has lifted the lid on the Newcastle dressing room's response to Alexander Isak's Liverpool transfer
(Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Emil Krafth has dismissed claims suggesting Alexander Isak's departure from Newcastle this summer caused a rift in the dressing room. Reports have suggested Isak's contentious switch to Liverpool split the squad, with some players backing his decision while others were said to have felt betrayed by his actions.
Following confirmation of his Anfield move, numerous team-mates demonstrated their support for Isak. Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman, and Anthony Elanga have each messages of encouragement and best wishes.
Yet captain Bruno Guimaraes appeared to hint at his disappointment with Isak's behaviour when he disclosed last month that the duo hadn't spoken or met for several weeks. Nevertheless, Krafth, who joined Newcastle in 2019 and also represents Sweden alongside Isak, insisted the atmosphere has remained "very chill."
"There were many who wanted to see Alex stay, but you understand how football works," the defender revealed to Swedish publication Sportbladet (via Liverpool.com). "I wish him all the best in the future. For me, Alex is not just a footballer, but a close friend too.
"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."
Alexander Isak signing his contract for Liverpool
Isak reportedly ruffled some feathers at St James' Park after going on strike
Isak effectively downed tools to push through a switch to Liverpool, which led to him being made to train separately from the main group. He refused to join the rest of the squad on their pre-season tour of Asia and returned to former employers Real Sociedad to train individually.
The Sweden superstar insisted in a statement that "promises were broken" after he was supposedly assured he'd be allowed to leave the club this summer. Despite all that, Krafth said he remained in regular contact with the 25-year-old throughout the summer months.
"We were in contact often and spoke on the phone," he added. "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.
Alexander Isak throws his arms in the air
The Swede is now poised to make his Liverpool debut after the international break
"In some ways it's nice that this merry-go-round is over so that he can focus on his own and the club can focus and move forward. 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."
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