Alexander Isak breaks silence on Liverpool start after Newcastle United transfer - 'Calm down'

The striker is ready for two big World Cup qualifiers with Sweden after a slow start to his Anfield career

Former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak insists he is ready to play 90 minutes for Sweden on Friday night in their vital World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.

The Liverpool frontman has struggled for gametime since leaving Newcastle in a £130m transfer at the end of the summer window, following an acrimonous exit from St James' Park.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has spoken about the need for Isak to build up his match fitness after he training alone for a month at Newcastle, effectively going on strike and not taking part in their pre-season programme as he looked to force his move away.

However, after being sparingly used by Sweden boss Jon-Dahl Tomasson in the last international break, he says he is now ready to play a full part in their big games against Group B rivals Switzerland on Friday night, and Kosovo on Monday.

"Tomorrow I'm ready for 90 minutes if needed," Isak told Fotbollskanalen in Sweden. "It's been a month now. I've had a lot more playing time and things have calmed down. I feel in a much better position now than last time.

"It's been great so far (his time in Liverpool). Great team and a city where the team has a good relationship with the fans. It's been OK so far."

The pressure is on Sweden after picking up just one point from their opening two World Cup qualifications game, throwing away a two-goal lead to draw with Slovenia and then losing to Kosovo.

However, Isak feels the squad, which includes Newcastle United's Anthony Elanga, is prepared to handle the heat.

"There is pressure on us and high expectations, but that is common in football," he added. "We have the same ambitions as the Swedish people. Hopefully we can live up to the expectations.

"I hope that the people who are there believe in it and bring with them the positive energy that we will need to get that extra. It is important that we are all on the same track and help Sweden win.

"Of course you have that feeling. It automatically means you get a leading role. I'm starting to become one of the older ones. I want to be a leader and feel a responsibility, both on and off the field."

Isak will come up against Switzerland's Manuel Akanji, the Man City defender currently on loan at Inter Milan. He is well aware of his talents, having played alongside him at Borussia Dortmund, and against him in the Premier League with Newcastle.

"He is a very good defender," he added. "I have played with and against him. It will be a fun challenge. He is big, strong, fast. But I think we have a clear picture of how we can hurt their defence."

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