CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alexander Isak insists he feels 100 percent fit at the start of pre-season, with the Liverpool striker confident of being in the “best shape possible.”
After training alone for the majority of last summer and experiencing the consequences of his transfer saga that dragged into the season, there was no desire for a repeat.
In total, Isak missed 28 games in his debut campaign and scored only four goals after his record transfer.
After playing 358 minutes for Sweden at the World Cup and returning from his summer break injury-free, there is greater optimism for what he can offer under Andoni Iraola.
Speaking in the mixed zone after his first 45-minute outing in pre-season, Isak told Sportbladet that his body “feels good.”
Asked if that meant he felt 100 percent, Isak added: “Yes, no problem.”
“I got to feel some of the ball and run a bit. Work on my fitness,” the 26-year-old added.
“It’s always the most important thing in these matches, to get the body going. It felt good as a team too. I thought we had a good half.
“I hope to be in the best shape possible and be able to help the team succeed. That’s the plan.”
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In the first 45 minutes against Leeds, as per FotMob, Isak had 17 touches and the sixth-most passes into the box of any Red (four), showing a promising early connection with Florian Wirtz.
The No. 9’s fitness is paramount this season with Hugo Ekitike not expected to return from his Achilles injury until early 2027, which will not instantly produce world-class performances.
There is a lot of responsibility on Isak’s shoulders, but starting the summer fully fit is a significant turnaround from how he arrived last season.
Alexander Isak’s early verdict on Andoni Iraola
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Swede has worked under Iraola for a little over a week, enough time to get a sense of what the Spaniard will bring and ask of the team going forward.
Liverpool’s head coach knows Isak will be “massive” for him this season, and there was a similar optimism from the No. 9.
“It’s early days,” Isak said. “It’s felt good in training. He has a clear game plan, and it feels positive so far.
“But there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Isak and Co. will return to training on Wednesday and be joined by Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Alisson and Victor Munoz, adding much-needed senior depth to the squad.
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1 circle collage (43)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones comes out for the second half during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch (R) react to conceding his side's fourth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)