Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended Alexander Isak after the striker went on strike at Newcastle United to force a transfer, insisting that a similar scenario would not occur at Anfield.
Isak completed a British-record £125m move to Liverpool on deadline day and could make his debut against Burnley, though he is unlikely to start due to missing pre-season and the first three games of the season after refusing to train at Newcastle. The player cited broken promises as the reason for his strike.
Slot downplayed the incident, emphasizing Liverpool’s approach to player transfers: “It’s not necessary at our club, because we also trade players. If a player wants to leave and we get the right money for him, this club has shown so many years now that we then sell. You can just keep on training here – Lucho [Luis Díaz] and Harvey [Elliott] get their transfers, Tyler Morton gets his transfer… all these players conduct themselves in the best possible way.”
Regarding Isak’s fitness, Slot noted the striker has only recently returned to full training and featured for 18 minutes during the international break. “He is one of the best in the world,” Slot said. “But for him to become the best, I think the best players in the world win trophies.”
Slot added that the record fee may bring pressure but insisted it is manageable: “If you have this [Liverpool badge] on your shirt there is always pressure… We target a player and we want to have him. We decide what his value is, if that matches with what the club wants then we are not afraid to act.”
The manager expressed confidence that Isak will eventually display his talent for Liverpool once he reaches full match fitness.
