Alexander Isak spiky Newcastle United reaction captured by Sky Sports as Liverpool meltdown intensifies
Alexander Isak has addressed his difficult start to life at Liverpool following his £130million Premier League record transfer from Newcastle United.
Alexander Isak has scored just one Premier League goal since becoming the most expensive player in English football history over three months ago.
Isak forced a move away from Newcastle United to join Liverpool over the summer which eventually went through on deadline day for £130million.
Isak scored 27 goals for Newcastle last season, including the winner in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool back in March.
But he hasn’t enjoyed the same fortunes since switching Tyneside for Merseyside having only scored twice in 13 appearances for Arne Slot’s side. Isak’s first goal came in the Carabao Cup against Championship side Southampton, while his only Premier League goal so far this season came in a 2-0 win over West Ham United last month.
Isak going on strike and refusing to play for Newcastle over the summer helped get him his desired move to Liverpool but has also seen him well short of match fitness and sharpness as a result. A subsequent groin injury has also limited his impact at Anfield.
After winning each of their opening seven games of the season, Liverpool’s form has nosedived to the point where they are just one point ahead of a largely inconsistent Newcastle after 15 Premier League games. The Magpies also sit above Liverpool in the Champions League standings heading into matchday six.
Isak came off the bench as a late substitute with Liverpool leading 3-2 against Leeds United at Elland Road. He was given a hostile reception from the Leeds fans before the home side grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser.
Alexander Isak opens up about Liverpool struggles
Isak was asked about his summer and start to the season in an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the Leeds match.
The Swedish striker arrived at Liverpool with high expectations given his significant price-tag and previous exploits at Newcastle.
But almost halfway through his first season at the club, Isak has still scored more goals against his current employers (4) than he has for them (2).
“It’s not been easy, of course, individually and also collectively,” Isak admitted. “We’ve not had the best results lately and of course I wish more from me as well. I think that’s pretty obvious. But [I am] trying to stay positive, we as a team as well.
“It’s a really good group. Just looking forward and trying to do better as a team.
“I expect to do much more, of course. I always do that, even when I do really well, I want more. So that’s not a problem for me. I’m just trying to stay positive, trying to work to do better. That’s what I’m looking to do.
“Obviously I’m the first one to know, and I know best, when I’m doing good and when I’m not doing good. I don’t need anyone to tell me how I’m doing. That’s not a problem for me.”
Isak’s actions during his final weeks at Newcastle were described as a ‘strike’ by head coach Eddie Howe, who admitted his relationship with the player deteriorated as he forced a move away.
But when asked about his Newcastle exit, Isak told Sky Sports: "I don't really reflect on it that much. It is in the past, my focus is here. It is best to just stay in the moment."
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Liverpool in meltdown
With an out-of-form £130million striker, a £116million signing in Florian Wirtz yet to register a goal in 19 appearances for the club and four wins from the last 15 games, things are not going well for the reigning Premier League champions this season.
To add insult to injury, club legend Mohamed Salah came out over the weekend and criticised the club.
The Egyptian feels he has been thrown ‘under the bus’ by the club this season.
"I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah said after Leeds. “That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career I think. I am very disappointed, I have done so much for this club over years, especially last season, It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.
"That’s how I feel it. Someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I’m on bench so I can say they haven’t kept those promises.
"I used to have a good relationship [with Slot]. Now we don’t have any relationship and I don't know why. Seems like someone does not want me in the club.
"It’s not acceptable to me to be fair. If I was somewhere else, every club would protect its players. Now it’s: ‘Throw Mo under the bus because he is a problem in a team'.”
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‘Signed for six years’ - Arne Slot
Salah’s comments came after Liverpool head coach Slot admitted his side lacked a player of ‘Jacob Murphy’s profile’ on the right wing to help bring out the best in Isak. Murphy and Isak formed a strong partnership at Newcastle last season, combining for the winning goal in the cup final.
Although Salah’s future at Anfield is uncertain, there’s no expectation that Liverpool will be making a move for Murphy any time soon. Though Slot has issued a message of patience when it comes to Isak, despite being 26, Premier League proven and the most expensive player in English football history.
“That was the most difficult thing about signing him,” Slot said. “I think I said back then that we signed him for six years, not for three months, and I’ve tried to make clear from the start how difficult the first few months would be for him.
“Every player wants to play 90 minutes [after] 90 minutes so it’s not nice for Alex to play 60, go off the next game and another [team-mate] comes in and then he can play 60 again. That’s not the way you want to start your career at Liverpool.”
Isak has averaged 14 touches per 90 minutes since joining Liverpool and is yet to make any real impact with just two goals to his name.