When Liverpool traveled to Burnley, fans were surprised to find Alexander Isak missing from the matchday squad.
Head coach Arne Slot’s choice wasn’t made lightly; rather, it reflects a thoughtful strategy. From what has been reported, Slot and the Liverpool coaching team view Isak as a promising signing who needs to be introduced gradually, without rushing him before he’s fully prepared.
Isak’s lack of match fitness was the main reason for his absence. Since he joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day, much of his preseason was disrupted by the timing of the transfer and the need to catch up on training.
Although supporters expected Isak not to start, many assumed he would get some playing time later in the match. However, Slot clarified that the striker isn’t ready yet.
“Not today. As everyone knew, he didn’t join in team training at Newcastle,” Slot told Sky Sports, as reported by Liverpool.com. “He went to the national team and only played 15 to 20 minutes. Considering we have three games in seven days this week, this is the best way to prepare him for availability against Atletico Madrid.”
Slot explained further:
“In preseason, after a week or two, players usually play 45 to 60 minutes and gradually increase their playing time, combined with proper training sessions. But we hardly have those training sessions because of our tight schedule. So I’d say he’s roughly at the second or third week of preseason fitness. Hopefully, he can play 45 minutes or more during the week, but then we have a game against Everton just two days later. It’ll be a challenge for the performance staff and us to get the best out of him while keeping him fit for the long run.”
Slot’s cautious approach seems wise. Giving Isak extra time to build fitness and form before his debut appears to be the right call.
Liverpool are off to a flying start in the Premier League with three wins from three games and don’t urgently need to rush Isak into action.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike, another expensive summer signing, has started well, scoring twice in three league matches, offering Slot another attacking option.
If managed carefully and gradually introduced, Isak is likely to live up to the high expectations that came with Liverpool’s investment in him.
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