Arne Slot risks backlash with Alexander Isak ‘smaller club’ comments

Alexander Isak completed a £125m move from Newcastle to Liverpool on deadline day of the summer transfer window but he has only scored one goal for Arne Slot’s side

Arne Slot has risked angering Newcastle United fans with his comments on Alexander Isak following the striker’s latest Liverpool set-back. The Sweden forward suffered a groin problem and was withdrawn during the Reds’ Champions League victory against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Isak declined to train or feature for Newcastle in the summer as he pushed to complete a move to Anfield. The striker got his wish in the end with a £125 million transfer being completed on deadline day.

Slot took the opportunity during his post-match press conference, after the 5-1 win in Frankfurt, to make comparisons between Newcastle and Liverpool. When quizzed about Isak’s condition and preparation, the Liverpool manager remarked: “I don’t think there’s a rule that every single player has the same. But it also depends on what he did when he didn’t train with the team, what the impact is if you go to a new club as a big signing.

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“So you cannot compare, maybe a player who hasn’t trained or played in pre-season at a smaller club than if you go to Liverpool. There are many factors that you have to take into account and there is not one thing if it’s possible or not.”

Isak has been stretched physically by his international commitments, even featuring for Sweden in September despite missing pre-season action for both Newcastle and Liverpool. Discussing Sweden’s handling of Isak, Slot commented: “I think we did exactly what was needed, we were really careful with him. The Swedish national team in the first [break] as well.

“Then they played him twice last time – which he could do, so not criticising at all the Swedish national team, because we actually told them that he’s ready to play twice.

“It’s a thin balance. If you missed out on pre-season then some march through it and some unfortunately get injured again.”

How long Isak remains out for is still to be seen. The forward’s only goal for Liverpool so far is in the Carabao up win over Championship side Southampton.

Newcastle supporters will likely shrug off Slot’s remarks, with the 2-1 triumph over the Reds in the Carabao Cup final still a recent memory for those on Tyneside. The two teams will meet for the first time this season when Eddie Howe’s side travel to Anfield on January 31.

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