Liverpool boss Arne Slot has defended Alexander Isak’s poor start following his record £125million move from Newcastle, citing injuries and fixture congestion.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended striker Alexander Isak following his difficult start at Anfield after a £125million move from Newcastle United. While Nick Woltemade continues to impress for Newcastle, scoring in their 2–0 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham, Isak’s time at Liverpool has been hampered by injuries and poor form.
Isak, who went on strike to force his transfer, has managed just one goal — in the Carabao Cup against Southampton — before suffering a groin injury in the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Liverpool have since lost six of their last seven matches, adding pressure on Slot.
“We handle the situation as it is,” Slot told the Liverpool Echo. “Alex, let me use as an example, pre-season was inside the season… both strikers played 34 games last season, we play 60 over here, so I need Alex having as many games as he can.”
Despite Slot’s defence, critics point out Newcastle managed Isak’s workload better last season, helping him score 27 goals and lift the Carabao Cup. His conduct before leaving St James’ Park, however, remains a shadow over his Liverpool start.