The Newcastle United head coach is eager to ensure the door remains ajar to Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United with Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest
Newcastle United head coach and Alexander Isak(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says he would not hesitate to "trust" Alexander Isak with the responsibility of leading the line in his attack.
Isak stated that trust had been broken between himself and the club over "promises" that were never fulfilled by posting: "When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue."
The Sweden striker's future still looks ominous but so do Newcastle's hopes of landing a replacement before deadline day.
Such a scenario, with pursuits for a range of strikers so far unsuccessful, remains feasible with Howe clearly holding the door ajar for a potential Isak return.
On Friday, Howe ruled out the prospect of Isak training or facing Liverpool at St James' Park but if a move is not pushed through to the Reds next week, could Isak find himself re-integrated for the trip to Leeds on August 30.
After Isak's words, Howe was asked about those exact trust issues and whether he held trust in the striker still. Howe said: "Yeah of course, trust is earned both ways.
"That has to be a relationship that you build. When you sign a player you work on that.
"I place a lot of my time and my effort into helping a player be the best he can possibly be, working hard every day to maximise their abilities.
"I’ve gone on that journey with Alex so I don’t think we have any issues on the footballing side, at all. I hope I can work with him again and get him back to his very best."
With Liverpool up next for Newcastle and the first home game of the season almost upon us, Howe is looking forward to the clash against the Reds and said: "The first home game is always going to be electric.
"I love experiencing those nights with the energy that the crowd bring us and I have no doubt that this will be a really passionate display from the home support."
The new Premier League season is here and it's set to be another big one for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe's men face a Champions League challenge as well as domestic competitions - and you can get live updates every step of the way.
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