Alexander Isak has been called up by Sweden for the World Cup and national team coach Graham Potter believes injuries have been the main issue for the Liverpool striker
16:22, 06 Jun 2026
Sweden head coach Graham Potter has spoken out about Alexander Isak
Sweden head coach Graham Potter has spoken out about Alexander Isak(Image: Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Sweden manager Graham Potter remains adamant that Alexander Isak is still a "top, top, top player" as he discussed the difficulties the striker has encountered at Liverpool.
Isak has endured a torrid spell since his controversial £125million British club record move from Newcastle United last September, finishing the campaign with a mere four goals in 22 outings. He recently put in a strong showing for Sweden, however, giving hope to his new head coach Andoni Iraola.
The 26-year-old joined Anfield lacking match fitness and was subsequently plagued by a series of injury setbacks, including a broken leg that sidelined him for nearly four months.
Despite this, Isak has been selected for Sweden's World Cup squad, and after netting as a substitute in Monday's 3-1 friendly defeat to Norway, he completed 63 minutes as a starter in Thursday evening's 2-2 warm-up draw with Greece.
Sweden's national team manager Potter suggests Isak has been affected by the significant upheaval at Liverpool over the past year, which has persisted with Andoni Iraola's appointment as head coach following Arne Slot's dismissal, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"Alex has had a difficult spell at Liverpool because of injury," he said. "But the player doesn't change. His quality doesn't change. He's still a top, top, top player.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Alexander Isak of Liverpool looks on while sitting on the substitutes bench prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has struggled since his move from Newcastle to Liverpool last year(Image: Gareth Copley, Getty Images)
"It's just how they interact as a team together. And if you make a lot of changes, it can take a bit of time.
"Unfortunately, sometimes, at the big clubs, the big change means big pressure and expectation; and then expectation versus reality, and as soon as that gap starts to become too big, you can have problems.
"Obviously, his injuries have been disappointing for him, but I know him. He's a great, great lad, wants to play football and wants to help his team.
"Sometimes everybody's career can go up and down, but the quality of the person and the quality of the player is undeniable from our perspective."
Sweden kick off their World Cup campaign against Tunisia a week on Monday, before facing Holland and Japan in Group F.
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Liverpool.com says: It's clear Alexander Isak has talent in abundance. Liverpool wouldn't have spent so much money - let alone all the time the deal took up - if club officials weren't confident he'd be the man to lead the attack post-Mohamed Salah.
With Salah now gone, a new head coach in position, and Hugo Ekitike injured and out for the remainder of the calendar year, there can be no excuses if the team's attack doesn't go through Isak next year.