Alexander Isak responds to Liverpool suspicions after nightmare first game back

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Alexander Isak has addressed his brief cameo for Sweden in World Cup qualifying(Image: Getty Images)

Alexander Isak has reacted to suggestions Liverpool struck a deal with Sweden to restrict their new signing’s game time during World Cup qualifying.

Straight after completing his long-awaited £125million transfer from Newcastle United, Isak linked up with Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side for their double-header against Slovenia and Kosovo.

Given his recent lack of game time, Isak wasn’t expected to start the Group B ties.



Tomasson’s decision not to bring Isak on at the start or early in the second half raised eyebrows.

Speaking on Viaplay, journalist Erik Niva complained: “If Alexander Isak is not going to be used now, when is he going to be used?

We need everything we can ever find as quickly as possible, and Alexander Isak is one of the best players in the world.”

Isak eventually came off the bench in the 72nd minute, replacing Newcastle forward Anthony Elanga, but he couldn’t turn the tide as Sweden suffered a damaging defeat to leave their hopes of qualifying for next summer’s tournament in serious doubt.

Niva went on to suggest that Liverpool said Isak could play for no more than 20 minutes, although he added: “That is speculation on my part and I don't know.”

Isak spent most of his time on the bench during Sweden's World Cup double-header(Image: Getty Images)

When the 20-minute claim was put to Isak after the match, he shot it down as he said: “Not that I know of.

Clubs and national teams have contact but it’s between them in such cases.”

He also said: “It's hard to know exactly how many minutes are right.” Tomasson did suggest his hands were tied regarding Isak, telling Viaplay: “That was the maximum number of minutes I could give him.”

He was criticised for the lack of clarity surrounding the issue, with Evin adding: “Now it just became bad for all parties involved.

He said he played what he could.”

Jon Dahl Tomasson has suggested he could only play Isak for a certain number of minutes(Image: Getty Images)

After the game, Isak addressed his acrimonious departure from Newcastle, insisting “not everyone has the whole picture.” He said: “I can’t control everything that is said or written but I’m glad I became a Liverpool player.