Alexander Isak has admitted there remains "a lot of work to be done" for Liverpool as the new Premier League season approaches. The Reds ended their US tour with a disappointing 4-2 loss to Leeds United in Chicago, having led 2-0 at half-time.
First appearance under Iraola
Isak played the opening 45 minutes, his first appearance under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The striker had been away with Sweden at the World Cup, where they reached the last 32 before losing to eventual semi-finalists France.
Liverpool had won earlier tour matches against Sunderland and Wrexham despite missing several players through injury or World Cup duty. They remain linked with new signings and will face Monaco and Como in home friendlies before opening the Premier League season at Newcastle United on August 23.
Isak on Iraola and fitness
Asked about working with Iraola, Isak said: "I mean it is early days but the training has felt good. We all like his game ideas, it feels positive but there is still a long way to go. There is a lot of work to be done."
He added: "Of course I hope to be in good form as early as possible and to be able to help the team achieve success. That's the plan."
Isak played 90 minutes three times for Sweden at the World Cup, having failed to last a full match in 22 outings for Liverpool since his £125million move from Newcastle last September.
On his return to action, he said: "It feels good after a break and some training, so it is always nice, I recharged the batteries, had a nice break, just taken it easy, mostly."
"I got to feel the ball a bit more (against Leeds). I got a bit of running in and built up some fitness. In these games, the most important thing is to get the body going and it felt good."
"And for the team too, I think we had a pretty good first half."
"I feel good. No problems. Physically speaking, pre-season is obviously there to build up your physical condition and that's what we're going to do."
