Arne Slot has explained why Alexander Isak starts vs. Paris Saint-Germain despite, by his own admission, only being able to play 45 minutes.
Isak makes his first start since December as Liverpool look to overturn a 2-0 deficit and reach the Champions League semi-finals at PSG’s expense.
It comes with the five big summer signings of Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong all starting together for the first time.
But as he explained his lineup when speaking to Amazon Prime pre-match, Slot revealed his No. 9 won’t play “much more than 45 minutes.”
?? Arne Slot announces Isak will only feature for 45 minutes ahead of Liverpool vs PSG ?? pic.twitter.com/CEf27VaMOQ
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) April 14, 2026
“The thinking is that, as we all know, we need to score goals. That’s one thing. There are goals in these players,” he said.
“There are two target men, two players we can play into, can score goals as I just said.
“And as you might not know, but I do know, Alex will not be able to play much more than 45 minutes.
“So if you have to bring him in with the possibility of extra time, then it makes sense for me to start him.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Mohamed Salah on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Asked if that would then be an opportunity for weekend goalscorers Mo Salah and Rio Ngumoha, Slot replied: “Yeah, but no, I can look at Cody Gakpo and I can look more players on the bench.
“But the ones you’ve mentioned definitely as well.”
Slot’s revelation over Isak’s fitness left Amazon Prime pundits Robbie Fowler, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge – all elite strikers in their playing careers – baffled.
Robbie Fowler: ‘He’s given the tactic away’
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Former Liverpool player Robbie Fowler wearing a pin badge in honour of the 97 Liverpool supporters who passed away at the Hillsborough Stadium disaster 37 years ago before the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I can’t believe he’s done it, in all fairness. He’s more or less given the tactic away, straight away.
“If he changes after 45 minutes that means there’s going to be a change in the dynamic, the formation and the tactics of Liverpool. So for me that doesn’t make sense.”
Wayne Rooney: ‘Dutch managers are too honest’
“I just think if Isak’s on fire and he feels like he’s got more in him…if someone’s only playing 45 minutes, you imagine Arne Slot‘s already told Mo Salah or whoever ‘you’re coming on at half-time’.
“If that doesn’t happen then there’s another issue, another situation. It’s surprising.
“I’ve always felt with Dutch managers, I’ve worked with a few of them, they’re very honest and sometimes you just want them to be quiet a little bit.”
Daniel Sturridge: ‘What if Isak’s having a worldie?’
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Former Liverpool player Daniel Sturridge wearing a pin badge in honour of the 97 Liverpool supporters who passed away at the Hillsborough Stadium disaster 37 years ago before the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“You know what it’s like guys. You might score and you’re thinking ‘gaffer, I feel alright’.
“And then it becomes a conversation where you’re like: ‘I feel like I’ve got another 15, 20, I’ll give you a hand when I’m [tired]’.
“As the player you know your body. Of course they’ve got an agreement before the game, yes, he might not play more than 45, but what if he’s having a worldie? You’re not going to take him off.”