Liverpool's record signing Alexander Isak has delivered a candid assessment of his difficult start to life at Anfield, admitting his season has been far from ideal following a £125 million summer transfer.
A Disrupted Start on Merseyside
The Swedish international, who forced through a deadline-day move from Newcastle United, has seen his campaign severely disrupted by fitness issues. Isak managed just one goal in his first eight appearances for Liverpool before suffering a groin injury during the Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt last month.
This setback caused him to miss Liverpool's next four fixtures, and he was subsequently relegated to the bench for the disappointing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City before the international break. His lack of a proper pre-season after training alone during the summer has left him playing catch-up from the moment he arrived.
International Return and Road to Recovery
Isak made his comeback from injury this past weekend, appearing as a 62nd-minute substitute for Sweden in their 4-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Switzerland. Despite the heavy loss, which leaves Sweden bottom of their group, the 26-year-old reported positive signs regarding his physical condition.
"It was about half an hour. It felt okay," Isak told Sportbladet. "I feel like the reaction was good after the match in my body. Hopefully I can play properly in the next match."
He didn't hide his frustration with the situation, stating, "It's always frustrating when you're injured. Regardless of whether it's one match or more. It's always worst for the player himself."
Looking Ahead with Positivity
Despite acknowledging that his start at Liverpool "hasn't been optimal," Isak refuses to make excuses when on the pitch. He expressed his eagerness to regain form and contribute to both his club and country.
"It's hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute," he admitted. "Now I'm back and I'm positive. There's not much that's easy in football. But with experience you learn to deal with things. That's how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way."
Sweden manager Graham Potter confirmed plans to increase Isak's playing time in their upcoming qualifier against Slovenia, offering hope that the striker is on the path to full match fitness and ready to make his mark at Anfield.
