Eddie Howe reveals moment Alexander Isak relationship changed before £125m Liverpool transfer
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Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak(Image: (James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))Eddie Howe has revealed his relationship with Alexander Isak changed the moment the striker refused to play for Newcastle United.
The 25-year-old effectively went on strike in an effort to force his way out of St James’ Park, having been lured by Liverpool overtures.
As a result of his stance, Isak never featured for Newcastle during pre-season and missed their first three Premier League games of the season.
He also trained alone from the main group, and Howe has now admitted that his relationship with the forward soured as the summer saga progressed.
"Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship,” the Newcastle boss said as he previewed his side’s upcoming game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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"I loved working with him and hope that he loved working with us, we hope it was mutually beneficial, we helped him as a player and he helped us a team.
"We helped him become the player who departed us today and he helped us achieve some important milestones.
He was part of a very successful team."
Before he continued: "To give you a bit more on that, the moment he went on strike, the relationship changed.
"And yeah, I think that was the turning point in our relationship.
It is just football now, so no distractions."
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