Eddie Howe: Relationships with Isak soured after player's strike.

According to The Sun: Eddie Howe admitted that his relationship with Alexander Isak worsened after the forward announced his strike to force the club to let him leave Newcastle.

The pair had worked together for three years, starting from the summer of 2022 when the Swede joined the team.

Isak scored 62 goals in 109 matches for 'Magpies', including a crucial goal in the Carabao Cup final against 'Liverpool' in March.

However, after 'Liverpool' showed interest in him over the summer, Isak decided he wanted to leave and announced his strike.

During Newcastle's pre-season tour, he trained separately from his teammates, even back at his former club 'Real Sociedad'.

Howe noted that since that moment their relationship changed and communication became harder.

“Alex and I have always had a great relationship. I loved working with him, and I hope he enjoyed working with us too. It was mutually beneficial.”

“We helped him become the player he is today, and he helped our team achieve incredible success. He was part of a very successful team.”

“But after he announced his strike, our relationship changed. It was probably a turning point.”

“Communication became tough since that moment. I won’t go into details.”

Isak, who is 25 years old, may debut for 'Liverpool' this weekend against 'Bournemouth', although he is currently out of shape and likely to sit on the bench.

He’s the best striker in the world

He’s the best striker in the world

Author: Martin Lipton

Arne Slot believes that new signing Alexander Isak is 'the best striker in the world', but plans to give him a bit of time before his debut at 'Liverpool'.

The 'Reds' also stated that they might turn back to English star Marc Guehi in January.

Although the 'Reds' made a British record deal worth 130 million pounds for the Swedish attacking star, the inquiry for 'Crystal Palace' defender Guehi did not happen at the last minute.

Isak, who first took the field this season as a late substitute in his national team's defeat against Kosovo in World Cup qualifying, is likely to again find himself on the bench in the match against 'Bournemouth'. Slot noted that he won't rush to introduce him into the starting lineup, even though he believes in the potential of the newcomer.

Slot expressed gratitude to the Swedish national team coach and former Newcastle player Jan Dal Thomason for thoroughly preparing his most valuable asset.

“The Swedish coach deserves great praise as he prepares possibly the best striker in the world for two crucial matches for his country.”

“But he understands that if Alex plays twice for 90 minutes, it could lead to an injury for several weeks.”

“It’s not always easy for a manager to look after a player’s interests.”

“We will treat Alexander as they did, so don’t expect him to play every game for 90 minutes.”

“That certainly will not happen in the coming weeks. He missed a normal pre-season and three to four months of team sessions.”

“So now we must gradually raise his fitness level, as there will be many matches. This will be a challenge, but we didn’t sign him for two weeks, but for six years, and the fans need to keep that in mind.”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will likely have his take on this statement, especially after Erling Haaland scored five goals in his last game for Norway.

Haaland has impressed, scoring 127 goals in 149 appearances for 'City', while Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 matches for 'Magpies'.

Slot pointed out that the collapse of the deal with Guehi, when 'Palace' had agreed on 35 million pounds, was a blow to his plans.

As the English player now enters the last year of his contract with 'Selhurst Park', the 'Eagles' may find themselves interested in a sale to avoid losing Guehi for free at the end of the season.

Slot, whose team boasts a 100% record after just three matches of the new Premier League season, acknowledged: “It would be absurd to deny that we were close to signing him.”

“Such situations happen in football – when players think they are close to signing, and then at the last minute, something changes.”

“For us, of course, we would like to sign him, and if we feel we can strengthen the team, we will do it.”

“It’s a shame for both us and the player.”

“He’s in a good place, playing for 'Crystal Palace', where he won the FA Cup and Charity Shield with a great coach. We’ll see what the future holds for him and us.”