Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted he has barely spoken to record signing Alexander Isak since his £125 million deadline-day move from Newcastle United. The Swedish forward joined the Reds in a drawn-out transfer saga, but the international break has limited opportunities for integration.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Burnley, Slot revealed: 'I haven't spoken to him that much. I phoned him after he signed and he had to go to Sweden, but 99 per cent of the time during breaks I leave players to their national team managers. I texted him once or twice, but I do have to get to know him in the coming days and weeks.'
The Dutchman's comments echo those of Mohamed Salah regarding fellow summer arrival Hugo Ekitike. The Egyptian forward, who has been spearheading Liverpool's attack, admitted he still needs to build an understanding with the Frenchman, who arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million and has scored three goals in his first three competitive outings.
'So far I haven't figured the connections out yet,' Salah said. 'With Darwin Núñez or Luis Díaz, I knew where to find them. With Hugo, he's still new. Sometimes I need the ball in the field, sometimes we need it in space. We will figure it out through training and videos.'
Despite the lack of chemistry, Liverpool have won all three Premier League matches this season, though they required late goals against Bournemouth and a 100th-minute winner against ten-man Newcastle. Slot added that he is confident in the club's culture: 'We sign players for their qualities, and I know how good he is.'
