Arne Slot explains decision to start Alexander Isak against Atletico Madrid
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesArne Slot has opened up on his decision to start Alexander Isak against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The Reds boss has made three changes in total, including handing Isak his Liverpool debut.
The £125m striker is making his first appearance since joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day, September 1, from Newcastle United for a British-record fee.
The Sweden international has played just 18 minutes since May, which came during the international break in a 2-0 defeat to Kosovo.
After stepping up his fitness work last week at the AXA Training Centre, Isak will lead the line against Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos.
Alexis Mac Allister starts from the bench following a minor ankle injury from Burnley.
Dominik Szoboszlai moves into midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch, while Andy Robertson returns at left-back, Milos Kerkez drops out, and Jeremie Frimpong comes back on the right after a hamstring injury.
Hugo Ekitike starts on the bench as Alexander Isak leads the attack alongside Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Slot told TNT Sports: “This was the plan all along.
“That’s why he wasn’t involved in the Burnley game, so he could have a few proper sessions during the time he was with us.
“That’s what you need in pre-season as well.
“You don’t start by playing friendlies, you start with a proper training week, and at the end of that training week you can play 45, maybe 60 minutes – and that’s what we’re going to see with him today.
“That was the plan all the way.”
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