Arne Slot has refused to get involved in the Alexander Isak situation ahead of Newcastle United vs Liverpool.
The two sides meet at St James’ Park on Monday night, in what is now being described as the Alexander Isak derby.
Despite the name, the 25-year-old will not be involved when Newcastle United face Liverpool in the Premier League.
He looks set to continue his exile away from the Newcastle United squad, with Isak wanting to leave.
Not only does he want to leave, he wants to join Liverpool. They have made one bid for him so far this summer, with Newcastle turning down a £110million approach.
Liverpool could bid for Isak again, but Slot has refused to speak about him ahead of Monday night’s game.
Arne Slot looks on during Liverpool's Premier League game against Bournemouth.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Arne Slot unable to provide an update on Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak
Slot has been speaking to the media ahead of Newcastle United vs Liverpool, and was asked about the possibility of his side signing Isak and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi before the transfer window closes.
“What I can tell you is not a lot,” he said.
“And if someone else asks that question, it’s going to be the same answer. As I’ve said so many times and it’s been shown on Friday, I could impact the game with who we had on the bench. Federico came in and scored a goal.
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“So it would be much nicer for us to talk about the players who we have but I understand you have to ask that question.”
What Arne Slot said about Alexander Isak in February
Unsurprisingly, Slot has not said anything of note about Isak.
There is nothing he can say, in truth. He is not going to speculate about signing another club’s player, nor can he comment on the threat of Isak as he is not going to be playing on Monday night.
It was a different scenario in February when Newcastle and Liverpool last met in the Premier League.
At the time, Isak was enjoying an incredible run of form amid a scintillating season. Slot praised Isak, admitting his side had a plan to keep the Sweden international at bay.
“Understatement to say in fine form, he [Isak] is in excellent form,” he said.
“The team performance will help control him. The more ball possession we have the easier it is to control him, although he is definitely a threat on the counterattack as well.
“But we have two very good centre-backs, which is what you need when you face the quality of Alexander Isak.”
In the end, Slot did not need to worry about Isak. He missed that Premier League game at Anfield due to injury, with Howe keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the looming Carabao Cup final.
Isak was fit in time to start that final, scoring what proved to be the winning goal at Wembley.
For Newcastle United fans, it is incredible that Isak’s situation has gone from scoring one of the club’s most famous ever goals to where we are now.