With Sweden losing at home to Belgium 3-0 on Friday, the local media is obviously going heavy at the national team.
Outlet Aftonbladet had some criticism to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, claiming the forward failed to deliver what he’s been showing for the Magpies recently.
With manager Janne Andersson speaking to the Swedish media on Monday, he came out in the striker’s defence.
“I think the expression failure is quite harsh to talk about based on how it was on Friday,” Andersson told the Swedish press (via Afronbladet).
The national team boss also pointed out that Isak has been very useful to Newcastle of late, despite being back from an injury.
“If he played 20 matches in a row in the Premier League and did well, we could probably raise the demands on him. But where he comes from now, he is not one hundred percent match-wise.”
“He has played two matches now where he has scored a great headed goal in one and a fantastic volley finish in the other. But overall, if you look at playing time backwards, we probably shouldn’t put that pressure on him right now. But I have high hopes that Alex, if he is whole and healthy, will be able to be a supporter in the national team.”
Following the loss to Belgium, Sweden now play Azerbaijan in a friendly on Monday evening.
Isak then heads back to England as Newcastle prepare to face Manchester United on Sunday. That’s expected to be a decisive match, given that both clubs are fighting for a spot in the Champions League next season.
Despite the struggle with injuries, the striker has six goals and one assist in 15 appearances for the Magpies this season, following the record €70m move from Real Sociedad last summer.
