Liverpool striker Alexander Isak prepares for hostile Newcastle return
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is bracing for a fierce reception as he returns to St James’ Park to face former club Newcastle United this Sunday.
The Swedish international forced a bitter £125m move to Merseyside a year ago after effectively going on strike.
Both clubs have struggled in the aftermath of that protracted and controversial transfer saga.
Liverpool saw their expensive acquisition limited to just 22 appearances and four goals last season due to injury and poor form.
Meanwhile, the Magpies squandered their record windfall on forwards Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
New managers seek a fresh start
The fallout from the transfer ultimately contributed to major managerial casualties at both Premier League clubs.
Eddie Howe departed Tyneside to be replaced by Matthias Jaissle, while Arne Slot was sacked by Liverpool following a disappointing campaign.
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is now tasked with unlocking the true potential of the 24-year-old attacker.
The Spanish boss insists he is entirely ignoring the well-documented struggles of the previous campaign.
“You have to be open-minded when you come to a new place and don’t be too affected by the things they tell you about what happened before.”
Andoni Iraola
“You have to try to understand the picture but I think everyone is willing to improve.”
The former Bournemouth manager added that he prefers to begin with a clean slate rather than dwell on past tactical failures.
Pre-season promise offers renewed hope
Former manager Slot had previously blamed the player’s lack of a proper pre-season for his dismal debut year.
However, the former Real Sociedad star has enjoyed a full and uninterrupted summer preparation this time around.
The towering frontman recently found the back of the net in a promising friendly performance against Monaco.
Now, the pressure is squarely on the £125m signing to rediscover the lethal form that previously produced exceptional Premier League goalscoring numbers.