The build-up to Leeds has as soon as once more centred across the rising dialogue over Isak, regardless that the problems in our workforce stretch far past one participant.
Emile Heskey provided sympathy to the Sweden worldwide when talking to BBC Sport, whereas additionally acknowledging the struggles which have formed our current run.
The previous Liverpool ahead stated it had been “a tricky time” for the No.9, including that “shifting golf equipment, coming to arguably the largest membership on this planet, and your health ranges will not be fairly there” makes the transition much more troublesome.
He went on to emphasize that “folks will at all times go the buck and try to pick who’s going to tug us out of this little quagmire we’re in”, earlier than urging that “everybody [needs] to tug collectively as a membership, as a workforce”.
These feedback arrive after Arne Slot defended the £125m arrival throughout his pre-Leeds press convention.
The 47-year-old defined that it’s “clear and apparent” we should convey the No.9 “extra typically in threatening conditions”, including that it’s regular for prime strikers to have restricted touches at this stage.
His level was underlined when he famous that Isak averaged 22 touches at Newcastle, in comparison with simply 14 throughout his final three league begins for us.
That press convention additionally included the Dutchman’s reminder about elite forwards corresponding to Erling Haaland, who “doesn’t contact the ball 100 occasions” however does so in “moments the place it issues”.
Isak efficiency mentioned after Sunderland draw
In opposition to Sunderland, the Reds had little attacking risk, even with Mo Salah approaching at half-time.
Our equaliser got here through a closely deflected Florian Wirtz effort, and possibilities had been once more scarce for the brand new No.9.
That led Steve Nicol to explain the British-record signing as “invisible”, although he admitted nearly all of the blame lies elsewhere.
“Your centre-forward depends on others greater than anyone else, and he’s getting completely nothing”.
His wider level felt correct. We would have liked a late personal purpose simply to earn a draw, and the perfect opening of the ultimate minutes truly fell to Sunderland earlier than Federico Chiesa’s essential restoration run.
Liverpool should carry Isak’s health and involvement collectively
Heskey’s message feels well-timed. The 47-year-old identified that bettering health “when you’re taking part in in a workforce that’s not likely doing too properly” will at all times look messy from the surface.
Isak was sharp at West Ham and scored, but the unusual mixture of low involvement and restricted service returned towards Sunderland.
We’re combating poor outcomes, battling confidence, and making an attempt to mattress in a number of new faces all of sudden. It’s no shock the No.9 has not hit full stride.
The encouraging half is that each the pundit and our head coach framed the issue as a collective one.
Liverpool might want to create extra, press higher and rediscover our rhythm if we wish the 26-year-old to hit his stride. And if we handle that, the objectives will comply with.
You may watch Slot’s pre-Leeds press convention through Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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