Arne Slot has defended Alexander Isak over his decision to go on strike to force a move away from Newcastle United.
The Dutchman insists that a similar situation would never occur at Liverpool, as the club would sell any player who made it clear they wanted to leave.
Isak completed his transfer from St James’ Park to Anfield on deadline day for a British-record £125million fee.
He could make his debut for the Premier League champions at Burnley on Sunday, although he is unlikely to start, having missed pre-season and the first three games of the season after refusing to train at Newcastle, citing “broken promises” made to him by the club.
Asked if Isak’s decision to go on strike reflects badly on the 26-year-old, Slot said: “No, I just look at the club. It’s not necessary at our club, because we also trade players. If a player wants to leave and we get the right money for him, this club has shown so many years now that we then sell.
“You can just keep on training here – Lucho [Luis Díaz] and Harvey [Elliott] get their transfers, Tyler Morton gets his transfer, all these players, I can come up with eight, nine, 10 I think in the last window, that just conduct themselves in the best possible way.”
Isak played just 18 minutes during the international break, as he is still building his match fitness.
He spent part of the summer training alone at his former club, Real Sociedad, but did not participate in any competitive matches during that period.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged that it will take time for Isak to reach full fitness but expressed confidence that the striker will eventually showcase his talents for the club.
“He is one of the best in the world,” he said.
“But for him to become the best, I think the best players in the world win trophies.”
“It [the fee] might put pressure on him and me but nothing extra – if you have this [Liverpool badge] on your shirt there is always pressure,”
Slot added. “We target a player and we want to have him. We decide what his value is, if that matches with what the club wants then we are not afraid to act.
“We get that money from trading players and winning the league after we didn’t spend anything at all.”
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