Arne Slot has defended Alexander Isak over his decision to go on strike to force a move from Newcastle United, insisting the same situation would never arise at Liverpool because the club would sell any player who made it clear they wanted to leave.
Isak completed a British record £125m transfer to Anfield on deadline day and could make his debut at Burnley on Sunday, though he is unlikely to start after missing pre-season and the first three games of the campaign. The 26-year-old refused to train while at Newcastle, claiming promises made to him there had been broken.
Asked whether Isak's actions reflected badly on the player, Slot said: "No, I just look at the club. It's not necessary at our club, because we also trade players. If a player wants to leave and we get the right money for him, this club has shown so many years now that we then sell." He cited Luis Díaz, Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton as examples of players who conducted themselves well while securing moves during the recent transfer window.
Isak featured for only 18 minutes during the international break due to a lack of match fitness, having trained alone at former club Real Sociedad during the summer. Slot admitted the player will need time to reach full sharpness but has no doubt he will eventually show his quality: "He is one of the best in the world. But for him to become the best, I think the best players in the world win trophies."
The head coach acknowledged the fee may add pressure but said Liverpool always operate under high expectations. "It might put pressure on him and me but nothing extra – if you have this [Liverpool badge] on your shirt there is always pressure," Slot added. "We target a player and we want to have him. We decide what his value is, if that matches with what the club wants then we are not afraid to act."
