Andoni Iraola backs Alexander Isak to be "very important" for Liverpool ahead of Newcastle reunion

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rush The Kop or go back to LFC Live.

It is the reunion Newcastle fans have been waiting months to sink their teeth into and Andoni Iraola knows full well the storm waiting for Alexander Isak at St James' Park this Sunday.The £125million striker makes his first return to Tyneside in Liverpool red following his messy, headline-grabbing exit last summer. The Reds' visit to St James' Park came while Isak was, well we don't really know where he was last August, while he missed January's clash at Anfield due to injury.

Thus, as this is a major talking point, Andoni Iraola was asked about Isak's return during Friday's press conference at AXA Training Centre. And the first game of the season, I think everyone will be very, very motivated, and I think it's going to be the same for Alex."Andoni IraolaWhether he is ignorant, or just did not want to add fuel to the fire, these quotes do not suggest Iraola is quite aware how hated Isak is on Tyneside.

Later on during the media conference, the manager was asked about Isak's broader importance, as well as how he will fit into his Iraola's system: "Alex is going to be a very important player for us this season. I want to keep him there as much as we can because we know his level and if we can keep him there, he will score the goals, he will give us a lot of things... probably my instructions are more in terms of without the ball."Andoni Iraola Aug 2, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Liverpool forward Alexander Isak (9) during the first half of a friendly at Soldier Field.