Liverpool’s Alexander Isak has expressed his disappointment after Sweden’s latest defeat to Kosovo on Monday.
After the match, the striker spoke to the media to share his views, and Fotbollskanalen have relayed his comments.
Isak had to wait until deadline day to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool for a British record fee. He went on a strike and refused to train with the Magpies This impacted his preseason and minutes with Sweden for September’s fixtures.
The 26-year-old came off the bench in the national team’s first loss to Kosovo last month. Since then, he’s managed a goal and an assist from six matches for the Reds.
Isak maintained his place in Sweden’s squad for October’s international break. He played the full 90 minutes in their defeat to Switzerland last week and in the 1-0 loss to Kosovo yesterday.
After Monday’s defeat, he said: “It’s awful. Embarrassing. Disappointing, yet again. Everything is too bad.”
When asked what isn’t working for Sweden, Isak explained: “A combination of everything. We’re playing too badly. The way we’re playing doesn’t work. We’re doing it too badly individually too. It’s a combination of everything.
“There has been a negative development since the World Cup qualifiers started, there hasn’t been any progress. It’s bitter.”
The three consecutive defeats in World Cup qualifiers leave Sweden at the bottom of the group table. This doesn’t please the frontman.
“It’s sad that we’re in this situation. It’s a bit of a crisis situation. That’s clear. I don’t know what we’re going to do. But it’s all too bad,” he added.
Jon Dahl Tomasson’s position as the Sweden manager is in danger. Although the Liverpool star is disappointed, he refused to discuss whether players have lost faith in the Dane.
Both Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak went on strike to force transfers in the summer, subsequently missing chunks of preseason. Sweden captain Victor Lindelöf didn’t have a preseason either, only signing for Aston Villa on deadline day, despite being a free agent.
All of that will have had an impact, and it’s starting to be realised in the country.
