Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer has expressed his hope that Sweden will be eliminated early from the World Cup, as he believes it would ultimately benefit Liverpool's star striker Alexander Isak. Speaking to Casinostugan, Smicer outlined his concerns over Isak's fitness and the need for a proper pre-season ahead of the new campaign under head coach Andoni Iraola.
Smicer's Honest Admission on Isak's World Cup Participation
"To be honest, I'd prefer if Alexander Isak wasn't playing in the World Cup," Smicer said. "He should have two or three weeks rest after the season and then start a six-week preparation for next season. I think that's what he was missing this season: being fit for Liverpool." Isak, who became the most expensive British football transfer when Liverpool paid Newcastle United £125 million on September 1, 2025, struggled with fitness throughout his debut season at Anfield. Having arrived without a pre-season due to his controversial move, he was plagued by injuries before a leg break in December sidelined him for four months.
Isak's World Cup Performance and Fitness Concerns
At the World Cup, Isak has scored one goal and provided three assists for Sweden, who face France in the last 32 on Tuesday evening in New York. Despite this, Smicer remains cautious. "Maybe the training camp helps him a little bit, but I don't think he'll be 100% fit [at] the World Cup. The advantage is that he'd be fresh because his body is not tired, but I don't know if his body is ready for a hundred percent effort. I hope so, but I don't believe it."
Liverpool's Perspective: Early Exit Ideal
From a Liverpool standpoint, Smicer is clear: "From a Liverpool perspective, I’d prefer Sweden to go out quickly. Then he can have a rest and join the Liverpool training camp before the season. On the other hand, I would like to see him scoring goals because I still believe we bought the right player and he will score many goals for Liverpool." He added, "I'm not sure about his fitness and I hope he will not get injured in the World Cup. I pray he will be okay and have a good World Cup for his confidence."
Pre-Season Worries for World Cup Players
Smicer highlighted a broader concern for players going deep in the tournament: "It's difficult because all the players going far in the World Cup won't have a lot of pre-season training sessions, which is a worry. They won't have a lot of pre-season training sessions, so that's a little bit worrying."
Potential Partnership with Viktor Gyokeres
Discussing Sweden's attacking options, Smicer noted the potential partnership between Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. "Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres would be a good partnership. I don't know the system Sweden will play under Graham Potter, but it's a pity if one of them is on the bench. You can use them both. I still think Isak is a little bit better than Gyokeres, but they are different types of players. But being different means they can play together."
