Liverpool manager Arne Slott has provided an update on the Swedish international Alexander Isak’s status as he has struggled with his fitness and form since his move to Anfield in the summer.
Isak’s world-class performances at former club Newcastle United led to Liverpool paying a British record transfer fee at the end of the window.
As confirmed by a BBC Sport report at the time, Isak cost Liverpool £125m to sign from Newcastle, so he will inevitably come with high expectations.
Isak has scored just one goal in six appearances for the Reds so far, but Slott spoke of his slow start after failing to score in either of his matches for Sweden during the international break.
Arne Slott supports Alexander Isak despite poor form
In today’s press conference, Slott said Isak arrived at LFC without a pre-season and therefore took time to gain full fitness.
According to the Dutch tactician, a few more games in recent weeks could finally get him to where the club wants him to be.
Check out the video clip from Slot’s press conference earlier today below…
“Right now, I think he’s had five to six weeks of preseason, which is normal for any player, especially when he’s been out for three or four months,” Slott said.
“So I think in terms of fitness, he’s closer to that level now… and now we can judge him in a fair way.
“I know how this industry works. If he plays twice and doesn’t score, of course that’s not what you want. Of course, if they go to the national team, like Cody (Gakpo) did, You want them to score like Virgil (van Dijk) did, like Dominik (Szoboszlai) did, like (Alexis) Mac Allister did…I forgot a few, maybe…”
“But he (Isak) didn’t do that, but I think his preseason is over now that he’s played a few games, 70, 80, 90 minutes. So let’s see where he is in the next few weeks.”