Alexander Isak nightmare could be about to get worse after ditching Newcastle United for Liverpool
There will likely be no Newcastle United fans feeling sorry for Alexander Isak’s sticky start at Liverpool.
Former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham United manager Graham Potter has thrown his hat in the right for the vacant Sweden job.
Newcastle United supporters hate-watched another Alexander Isak disasterclass on Monday as Sweden were beaten 1-0 at home to Kosovo. Losing 2-0 to Switzerland just days earlier already left their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
Isak is now all but expected to be sitting at home while many of his former and current club teammates compete for football’s biggest prize next summer. A lot of the blame has been placed at the striker’s doorstep for being unfit due to his lack of pre-season.
Alexander Isak’s slow Liverpool start
Isak showed no shame over the summer when he downed tools to force a Newcastle exit. He was willing to burn all bridges at St James’ Park, refusing to play or train while the transfer saga played out.
The Magpies eventually cashed in for a British record £130million on deadline day. Since then, Isak has looked a far cry from the forward who scored 27 times last season.
Just one Carabao Cup goal in six Premier League games has ramped up the pressure on the former Toon favourite. Sluggish performances for Sweden have resulted in manager Jon Dahl Tomasson facing the chop.
Graham Potter in the frame
Isak’s nightmare could be about to get worse as Potter - recently sacked by West Ham - is among the favourites to take the vacant job. The 50-year-old - who managed Swedish club Ostersunds FK for seven years - has publicly declared his interest in the position.
"I’m open to anything where I feel I can help,” Potter told the country’s media, as quoted by the BBC. The job as (manager) for the Swedish national team is fantastic. I have feelings for Sweden. I love the country and I love Swedish football. I have a lot to be grateful towards Swedish football."
‘Doesn’t benefit anyone’ - Alexander Isak
During the international break, the Swedish press pack pressed Isak on his Newcastle exit. The Liverpool man is preferring to move on - insisting that dragging up the saga does not benefit either party.
“It’s nothing I want to dwell on now,” Isak said, as quoted by ESPN. “It doesn't benefit anyone, neither me nor Newcastle so let it be. I'm working hard to push myself and play my game. Things have been a bit tougher for us (Liverpool). I believe that as the team improves and things start to flow better, it will also go better for me.”