Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has explained the demands of Andoni Iraola and why the Reds are happy Cody Gakpo didn't join Manchester City
Alexander Isak of Liverpool
Alexander Isak of Liverpool(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
View Image
Alexander Isak believes he is "in a good place" at Liverpool this season and has dismissed suggestions he ever regretted moving to Anfield.
Isak has registered three goals and an assist in five starts already this campaign having scored just four times last term following his British record £125million move from Newcastle United.
The 26-year-old striker arrived at the Reds not fully fit and was then absent for four months with a broken leg, contributing to him making only three starts in the final half of the season.
Now, though, Isak feels revitalised having coming into the new campaign on the back of a solid showing for Sweden in the World Cup while working under new head coach Andoni Iraola.
READ MORE: Liverpool tipped to make major boardroom change after £1.65bn deal - 'I wouldn't be surprised'
"I feel good," he said. "I feel like I'm in a good place, the team is in a good place, and the positive is it feels like things are getting better and better each week, each training session, which makes me and the rest feel confident going forward.
"Everyone knows that success for this club is winning trophies. I want to score every game. Everyone is different. Some like to set targets and some don't. I'm the one that doesn't.
"(The leg break) was tough. Anyone who had a long injury would know. But on the other hand, when you're in a good place and when you feel good, you don't really tend to look back because it doesn't really benefit you.
"So I'm just looking forward and feel really optimistic and excited about the season, and what it can bring to us."
Asked if there was ever a point last season he regretted his move to Liverpool, Isak replied: "No, never. I would never think like that.
"(Liverpool) is a massive club, and everything about the club made it pretty clear, and the club's ambition and the club's will to get me in as well. It was a big part of it."
Iraola replaced the sacked Arne Slot as Liverpool boss in June and has subsequently been working with Isak to help integrate him into the new tactical approach demanded of the Reds.
"He asks me to be part of the defending but to defend in positions where, when we win the ball, we can counter quickly and get the ball forward to the offensive line," he said.
"He said 'score goals', but he wants me to defend. The way we defend - we defend to score goals so the defending, in the end, is an attacking weapon."
Get YOUR Liverpool FC Newsletter
Get the best Liverpool FC news and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Echo!
Yours in just two simple steps.
Head This Way
Enter your email and hit Subscribe.
Isak added: "He's come with his football to the club, the way he wants to play, high intensity style of play which will benefit me and benefit the club, the way the club wants to play football. That's the plan.
"I think that's what the team needs. It's not just about getting the ball to me, it's about getting the ball forward to all of the offensive players quickly.
"I think that will benefit the team. I think if we can do that then we should score more goals."
All three of Isak's goals this season have been assisted by Cody Gakpo, who was linked heavily with an £85m move to Manchester City during the transfer window.
And of his fellow forward, Isak said to the BBC: "It's definitely been successful so far this season, obviously he's assisted all of my goals. He's a humble guy.
"We are all pleased (he has stayed), we all know what qualities he has and how it will benefit the team. For us it's clear, we're really happy with the situation."