Slot defends Isak: No need for a strike at Liverpool

In the end, everyone got what they wanted. Above all, Alexander Isak. He became the most expensive footballer in the history of British football and, perhaps more importantly to him, the new Liverpool striker. But to achieve what he had set out to do, the Swedish goal scorer had to burn bridges, damaging the reputation he had built among Newcastle fans over the previous three seasons at St. James’ Park. And although just a few months before leaving he had delivered the club its long-awaited trophy, a stain will remain on everything he accomplished for the team from the north of England. When he realized the club was serious about keeping him, Isak went on strike, telling Newcastle’s leadership that he never wanted to play again for the four-time English champions. He blackmailed the club, forced them into a corner, and left them no choice but to open the exit door—something the Magpies eventually did.

One man's hero is another man's rat: Two curses Isak will have to break

The strike paid off, and less than two weeks after the conclusion of the summer’s most intriguing transfer saga, Arne Slot spoke about it. Liverpool’s manager received a massive reinforcement, a player who will significantly boost his chances of defending the title. However, reporters were curious how he would react if one of his own players behaved the way Isak did—whether going on strike to force a transfer is a warning sign, or as the English say, a “red flag.” And even thou every former player and TV pundit in England (even the former Liverpool players) didn’t support Isak’s refusal to train as a form of protest, the Dutchman tried to downplay the strike.

“That’s not necessary at our club because we also sell players. If a player wants to leave and we get the right money for him, the club has shown for years that we’ll sell. At this club, there’s no need to go on strike. I think it would have the opposite effect. Harvey Elliott got his transfer, Tyler Morton got his transfer… During the last transfer window, there were maybe eight, nine, ten players who behaved in the best possible way, and we are a club that has no problem selling players. So, write this down for every agent with a player in our club: such things aren’t necessary here,” Slot before the Burnley game.

Stats and science have their say - Liverpool will win Premier League again

Even thou Liverpool just bough the most expensive player in history, he will probably only feature at one point and won’t play the entire game because by refusing to train with the team and play, he hurt his own chances to play in the starting 11.

“He missed the entire preseason. I think he missed three or four months of team training, so now we have to gradually build him up, given that we’re playing so many matches and have almost no time for proper training. That will be a challenge, but we didn’t sign him just for the next two weeks, we signed him for six years. That’s what we have to keep in mind, and what the fans also need to keep in mind if I take him out at some point or only bring him on for a few minutes” said Slot.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 4

Saturday

Arsenal - Nottingham Forest 3-0 (1-0)

/Zubimendi 32, 79, Gyokeres 46/

Bournemouth - Brighton 2-1 (1-0)

/Scott 18, Semenyo 61 pen - Mitoma 48/

Crystal Palace - Sunderland 0-0

Everton - Aston Villa 0-0

Fulham - Leeds 1-0 (0-0)

/Gudmundsson 94 (og)/

Newcastle - Wolverhampton 1-0 (1-0)

/Woltemade 29/

West Ham - Tottenham 0-3 (0-0)

/Sarr 47, Bergvall 57, Van de Ven 64/

Brentford - Chelsea 2-2 (1-0)

/Schade 35, Carvalho 90+3 - Palmer 61, Caicedo 85/

Sunday

16.00: (10.0) Burnley (5.50) Liverpool (1.35)

18.30: (1.75) Manchester City (4.20) Manchester United (4.60)

***odds are subject to change***