Liverpool striker Alexander Isak spoke to the British media about his decision to join the team last summer, his previous long-term injury, and the tactical demands of new coach Andoni Iraola. He stated that joining Liverpool was an easy decision and he has never regretted the transfer.

Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle United on the summer transfer deadline day in September 2024 for a fee of £125 million, setting a new record for a transfer fee in English football.

Speaking about his reasons for choosing to join Liverpool, Isak said: "Liverpool is a giant club, everything about this club made the decision easy to make. Also the club's ambition and their desire to sign me were a very important part of it."

Last summer, with uncertainty surrounding his future at Newcastle United, Isak missed pre-season training and went to his former club, Real Sociedad, to train. At the time, he said that promises made to him by Newcastle United had been broken. However, Isak's first season after joining Liverpool was not smooth in terms of goals, and he was then sidelined from December last year until April this year due to a fractured leg. This season, the 26-year-old Isak has already scored 3 goals in 4 Premier League games, equaling his goal tally for the entire Premier League season last season.

When asked if he had ever regretted joining Liverpool, Isak replied: "No, never. I would never think that way."

Speaking about the fracture, Isak said: "It was really tough. Anyone who has experienced a long-term injury will understand that feeling. But on the other hand, when you are in a good environment and you feel good, you don't always think about looking back, because that doesn't help you. So I'm just looking forward now. I'm very optimistic and very much looking forward to this season, to see what it can bring us."

This summer, Isak made his World Cup debut for Sweden. Last season, he made 22 appearances for Liverpool, with a total playing time of only 1,032 minutes. In the World Cup, Isak scored 1 goal and provided 3 assists for Sweden, and the team was eventually eliminated by France in the round of 16.

Speaking about his first World Cup experience, Isak said: "Representing your country in the World Cup is most people's dream. Considering the injuries I experienced last season, the World Cup came at a very good time for me. I had this period to get back into rhythm and form through games. In addition, it was a very important experience. So being able to participate in the World Cup, and then come back here for pre-season and start the new season, was ideal for me."

This summer, Iraola took over from Slot as the new head coach of Liverpool. Iraola told Isak that he wants the striker to participate in defense from the front, as this is also an "attacking weapon" for Liverpool.

Speaking about Iraola's demands, Isak said: "He asked me to be part of the defensive system, to participate in defense in specific positions. This way, when we win the ball back, we can quickly launch a counterattack and pass the ball forward to the attacking line. He told me to 'score goals,' but also wanted me to participate in defense. Our way of defending is to defend with purpose, so in the end, defense is also an attacking weapon."

Under Iraola, Liverpool hopes to implement a more proactive and aggressive playing style. So far this season, they are the team with the most sprints in the Premier League.

Isak said: "He brought his own football philosophy, including the way he wants to play and the intensity. I think this will benefit me and the club, and also aligns with the football approach the club wants to adopt."

Speaking about the team's playing style under Iraola, Isak said: "I think this is exactly what the team needs. It's not just about passing the ball to me, but about quickly pushing the ball forward and getting it to all the attacking players as quickly as possible. I think this will benefit the team. If we can do that, then we should be able to score more goals."

Isak has now scored 60 goals in the Premier League, and he hopes to help Liverpool win a trophy this season. However, he also emphasized that he is not a player who sets personal goals. Isak's highest-scoring Premier League season was in the 2023/24 season, when he scored 23 goals for Newcastle United.

Speaking about the goals for this season, Isak said: "Everyone knows that for this club, success means winning trophies. I hope to score in every game. Everyone is different, some people like to set goals for themselves, some don't. I belong to the category that doesn't set goals."

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