In the FIFA World Cup European Qualifier, Sweden lost 0-2 to Kosovo away. After the match, in the mixed zone, Swedish star Alexander Isak talked about the transfer-related training boycott incident this summer and the team’s defeat in this game.
This summer, the transfer saga of Alexander Isak attracted widespread attention. Isak not only refused to play for Newcastle United but also did not join the team for training. In the end, he successfully transferred to Liverpool on the closing day of the transfer window. Earlier, Isak spoke publicly about this saga for the first time.
How do you view the training boycott incident during the summer transfer?
“That’s how things went. Not everyone knows the full story, but we can talk about this topic later. Right now, I’m both disappointed with the defeat in this game and looking forward to the upcoming club matches. I’m very happy to be part of Liverpool—that’s exactly what I’ve always wanted.
“It feels relaxed and good to have all issues resolved before the national team training camp, so I can focus on football.”
What was your state of mind during this summer?
“It was a brand-new situation; you can learn from it and grow mentally.
“I feel good. But after a game like this, it’s really hard to make a specific evaluation. However, there’s no doubt that I’m very satisfied with this transfer.
“This summer was just like that—a summer centered around the transfer. I had my own goal, which was to move to another club, and now I’ve achieved that goal.”
How do you respond to the external criticism?
“That’s part of football. Many things are beyond my control. I’m grateful that everything has been settled, and now I can focus on my own business, on my club.
“There will be time to discuss these things later. But what’s certain is that those claims are not all true, and even most of them are not true. Every matter needs an appropriate time and occasion to talk about; right now, my energy is mainly on the national team and the defeat in this game.
“These are all part of football. I can’t control all the remarks and reports. I’m very happy to be a Liverpool player—that’s exactly what I wanted.”
Will you give a full explanation in the future?
“We’ll have to wait and see. There will always be an appropriate time to talk about this issue.”
You came on as a substitute with less than 20 minutes left in the game. Has there been an agreement between Liverpool and the national team regarding your playing time in the World Cup Qualifiers?
“At least I haven’t heard of such an agreement. I’m currently playing for the national team. There is indeed contact and communication between the club and the national team, but that’s a matter between them.”
What are your thoughts on Newcastle United now?
“I have already expressed my feelings and gratitude to Newcastle before, but that experience is now in the past.”
Do you have any regrets about the transfer process?
“This topic can be discussed for a long time. This experience has taught me a lot, and I’m very satisfied with the final result because I successfully became a Liverpool player. I’m happy and proud now.”
As the most expensive signing in the Premier League this summer, are you facing new pressure?
“We’ll have to wait and see; this is a brand-new experience for me. The most important thing is to join a big club like Liverpool. This is a new challenge, but I’m very happy about it.”
