Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool: Arne Slot press conference
Liverpool earned a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League but the Reds’ record signing Alexander Isak has a quiet night.
When reciting the great European games, Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Inter Milan will scarcely be mentioned for the action that was served up. It will be remembered as the first match after Mo Salah’s bombshell interview, having claimed he’d been thrown under a bus by the Reds and that somebody ‘doesn’t want me at the club’.
Liverpool were far from their free-flowing best against Inter at the San Siro. But Slot engineered a professional performance. A goalless draw might have been fair but the Reds were given a chance to win the game when awarded a late penalty following a VAR review, with Dominik Szoboszlai rifling home.
The visitors did not create too many golden chances. Ibrahima Konate had a goal disallowed in the first half, which was contentious. Otherwise, Conor Bradley had Liverpool’s best opportunity with 10 minutes remaining after coming on as a substitute.
Isak struggles
The Reds were dogged, with Slot opting for substance over style as he aims to rebuild confidence within the squad amid a meek Premier League title defence. But it meant that Alexander Isak had another quiet evening.
The £125 million British record signing, partnered up front alongside Hugo Ekitike, featured for 68 minutes against Inter. He had just one shot, which went off target, and was shackled fairly easily by the Italian side’s defence. Isak has netted only two goals in 14 appearances since his arrival and is still to get his Champions League account up and running.
Slot may not have been too concerned about Isak’s performance. Liverpool did not have any natural wingers against Inter, with Salah omitted, as well as Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa unavailable due to injury and illness, respectively.
Italian media give verdict
But the members of the Italian media were far from impressed by Isak’s display. Tuttomercatoweb handed the striker just a 5/10 match rating and said: “€145 million, one goal between the league and the Champions League. The former Newcastle striker's dark period continues, almost a fish out of water in the Reds' lineup. Never truly involved.”
Eurosport’s Italian-speaking website handed Isak the same mark. It said: He barely shows up front, even receiving a few useful passes to shine. Bastoni monitors him without letting him touch the ball, but even when he switches sides, he's unable to make an impact.”
In addition, Calcio Mercatohanded Isak a mark of five and commented: “Not very present in matches, his teammates look for him but rarely find him, and Slot calls him back to the bench.” National newspaperIl Messagero handed Isak 5/10 and said: “He's rarely seen in Inter's penalty area. Few opportunities.” Sky Italiaalso dished out the same mark to Isak.
Slot will now have a decision on whether to stick with Isak when Liverpool face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.
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