Liverpool striker Alexander Isakplaceholder image
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak | Getty Images
Alexander Isak has looked a shell of the player he was at Newcastle United since joining Liverpool.
Alexander Isak has opened up about the difficulties of being injured early into his Liverpool career.
Newcastle United supporters have been enjoying the Swede’s downfall following his St James’ Park exit over the summer. Isak - previously adored on Tyneside - is now public enemy No.1 for the way he left the Magpies.
Many believe the way he downed tools throughout the transfer window - and the resulting lack of fitness - has directly impacted his start to life at Anfield. As it stands, Liverpool have just one Carabao Cup goal to show for their £130million investment.
‘It’s hard’ - Alexander Isak
Isak returned from a five-game absence to come off the bench in Sweden’s 4-1 defeat to Switzerland. Speaking post-match, the 26-year-old admitted his frustration at being injured in recent weeks.
“It was about half an hour,” Isak said. “It (his groin) felt ok. I feel like the reaction in my body was good after the match.
“Hopefully I can play properly in the next match (against Slovenia on Tuesday). “It's always frustrating when you're injured. Regardless of whether it's one match or more. It's always worse for the player himself.
“It hasn't been optimal. But when I'm on the field, I don't give myself any excuses. I always want to play my game and perform. But yes, it's hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute. Now I'm back and I'm positive.
“There's not much that's easy in football. But with experience you learn to deal with things. That's how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way.”
‘Doesn’t benefit anyone’ - Alexander Isak
Last month, Swedish media pressed Isak on the Newcastle drama. He is preferring to move on - insisting that dragging up the saga does not benefit either party.
"It's nothing I want to dwell on now,” Isak said, as quoted by ESPN. “It doesn't benefit anyone, neither me nor Newcastle so let it be. I'm working hard to push myself and play my game. Things have been a bit tougher for us (Liverpool). I believe that as the team improves and things start to flow better, it will also go better for me.”
Read More
Eddie Howe on strained Alexander Isak relationship
When grilled by reporters in September, Howe admitted that his relationship with Isak became strained once he went on strike. The Toon boss said: "Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship," he said. "I loved working with him. I hope he enjoyed working with us.
“It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player he in part is today and he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones and was part of a very successful team. The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was probably a turning point in our relationship."
Continue Reading