Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has spoken after making his first appearance under new head coach Andoni Iraola
Alexander Isak during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on August 2 2026
Alexander Isak during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on August 2 2026
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Alexander Isak admits there remains "a lot of work to be done" for Liverpool as the clock ticks down on the start of the new Premier League season.
The Reds ended their tour of the United States in disappointing fashion when they let slip a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 4-2 to Leeds United in Chicago on Sunday.
Isak featured for the opening 45 minutes, his first appearance under new head coach Andoni Iraola having returned from helping Sweden reach the last 32 of the recent World Cup before being eliminated by eventual semi-finalists France.
Liverpool had earned victories over Sunderland and Wrexham earlier in the tour despite being without a host of players either through injury or World Cup participation.
They remain linked with a number of potential new signings and conclude their preparations with home friendlies against Monaco and Como before travelling to Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season on August 23.
And when asked about working with new boss Iraola, Isak pointed to how Liverpool are still significantly short of being in ideal condition for the start of the campaign.
"I mean it is early days but the training has felt good," he said. "We all like his game ideas, it feels positive but there is still a long way to go. There is a lot of work to be done.
"Of course I hope to be in good form as early as possible and to be able to help the team achieve success. That's the plan."
Isak played for 90 minutes three times for Sweden at the World Cup having failed to last a full match in 22 outings for Liverpool following his contentious £125million arrival from Newcastle last September.
And of his return to action for the Reds, the striker said: "It feels good after a break and some training, so it is always nice, I recharged the batteries, had a nice break, just taken it easy, mostly.
"I got to feel the ball a bit more (against Leeds). I got a bit of running in and built up some fitness. In these games, the most important thing is to get the body going and it felt good.
"And for the team too, I think we had a pretty good first half.
"I feel good. No problems. Physically speaking, pre-season is obviously there to build up your physical condition and that's what we're going to do."
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