Alexander Isak has responded to comments made by former Liverpool vice-captain Andy Robertson, who claimed the Reds' new signings took longer to settle in after the death of Diogo Jota
MILANO, ITALY - DECEMBER 9: Alexander Isak of Liverpool FC, Andy Robertson of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 9, 2025 in Milano, Italy. (Photo by Alberto Gandolfo/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has given his thoughts on Andy Robertson's comments about Liverpool's signings(Image: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has acknowledged that Liverpool's summer signings may have unwittingly been affected by joining a club still coming to terms with the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.
The Reds striker also concurs with head coach Andoni Iraola's demand for greater involvement from him in matches, despite making a much more positive start to the campaign.
Isak was amongst a host of players recruited by Liverpool last year, shortly after the passing of Jota, who lost his life alongside his brother Andre Silva in a road accident in Spain shortly before the club's players were due to return for pre-season training.
Former Liverpool vice-captain Andy Robertson revealed earlier this week that it took several months for the new arrivals to find their feet, as the existing squad "didn't care about football" during that period, reports the Liverpool Echo.
When pressed on Robertson's remarks at a media conference in Sweden on Thursday, Isak said: "I understand. It was a tough period, especially for those who were already at the club.
"They know best what the team was like and how they felt, but you can certainly understand it.
Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz of Liverpool.
Andy Robertson suggested signings like Isak and Florian Wirtz took longer to settle in after Jota's death(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
"I feel more sorry for the ones who were there and had to go through that. That's where the focus was and it was tough for them. Obviously it was a special environment to come into, but beyond that everyone was incredible. You have to take what he (Robertson) says at face value.
"It wasn't difficult to settle in as such, since it's a fantastic group, but there might have been something going on in the background without one consciously realizing it.
"Of course, you could sense the terrible thing that had happened, but it's hard to draw conclusions. I didn't know the people involved, but the atmosphere is good now, and that's important."
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Isak has netted four goals and registered one assist across seven Liverpool appearances this season, already equalling his entire goal contribution from the previous campaign following his British record move from Newcastle United.
Nevertheless, Reds head coach Iraola reiterated after Isak's match-winning strike at Bournemouth last weekend his earlier insistence that the striker become more involved in general play.
The 27-year-old responded: "I agree. There are many games where I feel like I should and want to contribute more and be more involved. It's nothing strange.
"Of course you want to do it in all matches, but in some matches you are involved in most of it while in other matches you are involved less. It is the matches where you are not involved as much that you want to change."
Liverpool's Swedish striker #09 Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Isak has already equalled his tally from last season with four goals so far(Image: Getty Images)
Reflecting on the early stages of Iraola's tenure, Isak added: "The first feeling is that we are more stable defensively. Then we have a lot to improve offensively. The foundation is set and the bar is high."
Isak is expected to feature in all four of Sweden's UEFA Nations League fixtures during the international break, beginning with a home clash against Romania on Friday.
And he said: "I feel good, and I feel good physically. I've been healthy for a while now and have found some consistency. That's the foundation for me to play good football.
"My focus has been on having a good season considering last year. It's not about making amends, but having the usual ambitions to do well. I've had a good start, but it's still very early. I won't talk about that too much."