Swedish striker Alexander Isak has delivered a frank verdict on his early days at Liverpool, admitting his time at Anfield “has not been optimal” as injuries continue to disrupt his rhythm.
The £125 million signing, now the most expensive player in British football history, has struggled to justify his record fee, with a turbulent summer and fitness problems hampering his adaptation at Anfield.
After arriving late to pre-season following a tense standoff with Newcastle United, Isak was gradually eased into action, making his debut more than two weeks after joining. But just as he began to settle, a muscular setback sidelined him for four consecutive matches.
Although he returned to the bench against Manchester City and featured briefly for Sweden over the weekend, Liverpool still face the challenge of managing the striker’s workload carefully as he works toward full fitness.
Speaking about his slow start to the ongoing season, Isak, who has only one goal from 12 outings for club and country, admitted it hasn’t been good enough.
“It has not been optimal,” the 26-year-old bluntly told Aftonbladet.
“But when I am on the pitch I do not give myself any excuses. I always want to play my game and perform. But yes, it’s hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute.
“It is always frustrating when you are injured. Regardless of whether it is one match or several. It is always worse for the player himself.
“There’s not much that’s easy in football. But with experience you learn to deal with things. That’s how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back in the right way.”
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
