LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alexander Isak has explained how the new regime has the team playing in a manner that feels like “Liverpool’s identity.”
Isak has started three games in a row for Liverpool – equalling his best run last season – and is already one goal away from matching his tally from his debut campaign (4).
The striker has more expectation to perform after an injury-hit and fitness-plagued year, and the early signs are promising across his 244 minutes so far.
Andoni Iraola wants more than just goals from his No. 9, who is enjoying the new expectations and the ‘Liverpool identity’ that the Spaniard has implemented.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking after his brace at Ipswich, Isak told Viaplay that the manner in which the Reds attack is aligned with what you historically expect from a Liverpool side.
“Absolutely [it suits me],” Isak said of Iraola’s style. “Partly, I like that we counter and attack when the team is a bit organised.
“But it also feels a bit like Liverpool’s identity, always attacking and exploiting counter-attacks. So it suits us all.”
It is notable that Isak referenced the return of ‘Liverpool’s identity’, despite having played a limited role in Arne Slot’s final season at the helm.
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The majority of the criticism last year stemmed from the lack of style of play or distinctive characteristics, exacerbating the concerns of a possession-heavy approach with limited penetration.
Under Iraola, the directness has started to return, and Isak is thriving as a result.
“I feel good,” the Swede added about his physical and mental state. “We have a new coach and several new players, and we’ve had a decent start, so it feels positive to look ahead.”
Andoni Iraola explains “fights” with Alexander Isak
After Isak’s first brace for the club, Iraola insisted he is still demanding more from his No. 9, with “fights” over how he can contribute overall.
“He’s a massive player for us,” Iraola praised after the 2-0 win at Ipswich.
“Probably my demands will not be about the goals, I know that [if] he’s fit, he’s in good shape, he’s going to produce the numbers.
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“My fights with him are more about other stuff, about how to help the team in all the situations.
“But it’s good that he has already played two full games and today also a very good amount of minutes, scoring the goals.
“So I’m very happy to have him, yes.”
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Schalke's head coach Miron Muslic and goalkeeper Loris Karius celebrate after a 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich during a German Bundesliga soccer match in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
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