Alexander Isak has denied suggestions that Liverpool imposed a 20-minute limit on his playing time for Sweden during the recent international break. The striker, who completed a £125 million move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, joined up with Jon Dahl Tomasson's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Isak remained an unused substitute for the 2-2 draw in Slovenia and played only 18 minutes in Kosovo, where Sweden lost 2-0. The limited involvement prompted speculation from pundit Erik Niva, who claimed Liverpool had stipulated a maximum of 20 minutes. Isak dismissed the claim, saying: 'Not that I know of. I'm with the national team now. Clubs and national teams have contact but it's between them in such cases.'
Sweden manager Tomasson hinted at restrictions, stating: 'That was the maximum number of minutes I could give him.' However, he did not clarify whether this was due to Liverpool's demands. Pundit Freddie Ljungberg backed Niva's interpretation, saying: 'That's what it sounded like. He said he played what he could.'
Isak, who could make his Liverpool debut against Burnley on Sunday, also addressed his departure from Newcastle, insisting: 'Not everyone has the whole picture. I can't control everything that is said or written but I'm glad I became a Liverpool player. That's what I wanted and I'm happy about that.'
