Alexander Isaac of Liverpool. (Photo via Liverpool’s website)
When Liverpool traveled to Burnley, fans were confused to see Alexander Isaac missing from the matchday team.
The decisions made by head coach Arne Slot are not made lightly and in fact reflect the approach considered.
Looking into what has been said and what has been reported, it is clear that the coaching staff at Slots and Liverpool are viewing it as a signature of high potential that ISAK must be carefully introduced without being pushed to action before they are fully prepared.
Alexander Isaac does not have match fitness
It has become clear that fitness is the main reason behind Isaac’s omission. He joined Liverpool on the deadline day, and much of his pre-season preparation was complicated by timing, both in the transfer process itself and the need to keep up.
Fans had the idea that Isaac would not start a Reds match, but they played part at least later in the match, but the slot made it clear that they weren’t ready for strikers.
“Not today. He wasn’t team training in Newcastle, as everyone knew.” The Liverpool head coach told Sky Sports before the game, as reported by Liverpool.com.
“He went to the national team and only played 15 or 20 minutes. We’re a week of three games in seven days and we think this is the best lead he can make available to Atletico Madrid.”
Added slots:
“What I can say is to play the first 45-60 minutes in the preseason after a week or two and gradually build it up.
“But having the right training sessions a week. Now, since I play three games in seven days, there are very few proper training sessions with my team.
“So where is he? I’ll say now week 3 of the preseason, so I’m hoping I can play more than 45 minutes a week, but I can play Everton again in two days.
Arne Slot’s careful approach makes sense
It feels like the right decision from the slot to give ISAK time to gain fitness and get better shape ahead of the club’s debut.
The Reds have flew three wins from their first three games in the Premier League, and there is no urgent need to start ISAK at this point.
Hugo Ekitike, the club’s other big-money summer signature, is on a good start for the club, scoring two goals in three Premier League matches, offering another option to the offensive field.
If ISAK is carefully managed, understand the strength of Liverpool’s demands and is mitigated responsibly, he may provide the quality that will make Liverpool bigger for him.
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