Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle Unitedplaceholder image
Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle United | Getty Images
Eddie Howe was again asked about Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United after the defeat to Atletico Madrid.
But reading between the lines, Newcastle’s head coach once again hinted at it being Isak after doubling down on his wish to have the player back at his disposal. Tellingly, when asked what it would take for Isak to return to the group, Howe said “that’s for him to answer”.
Isak has been training away from his Newcastle teammates this week and was left out of weekend matches against Spanish duo Espanyol and Atletico Madrid. The striker wants to join Premier League champions Liverpool.
Newcastle United Eddie Howe asked to clarity Alexander Isak stance
Comments made by Howe after Friday’s 2-2 draw with Espanyol left many debating whether it is Howe’s decision to keep Isak away from the group, or it being down to the player.
When asked to clarity, Howe replied: “I think I said enough last night. I don't really want to go there, because I don't think it's fair on either party. I think I did say, I want him training, and I want him playing for us.
“So I think by that you can see my want and wish. But from both sides, it has to be right.”
Howe was then asked what it would take for Isak to return, to which he said: “That's not for me to answer. That's for him to answer. But, yeah, it's probably not, again, worth going into detail.”
Howe said on Friday Isak won’t play in the Premier League opener away to Aston Villa last week. Can that change?
“If it was that easy, I'd be doing it and I'd have done it yesterday,” said Howe. But it's not, so I think I'm better off focusing on the players because the Aston Villa game is going to be upon us before we know it. In the blink of an eye, it will be there and we need to be ready.”
Alexander Isak future out of Eddie Howe’s hands
What Howe was clear on is it won’t be him making the decision on whether to sell. Newcastle long maintained a stance that Isak is not for sale, but there are suggestions it could happen if a replacement can be found.
Liverpool plan to return to the table, after having an opening bid of £110million turned down, once Newcastle make progress in the striker department.
“Again, that's a decision that I won't make,” Howe said,. “That will be for other people to make. I think for me, I'm just trying to manage the situation and manage the team, most importantly. Manage the group of players that I'm working with day-to-day, that I love coaching and helping, and we're focusing on Aston Villa.
“Everything else, to a degree, from my perspective, is not in my control, so it's not my focus.”
Continue Reading