Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe called the tense standoff between the wantaway striker Alexander Isak and the club a lose-lose situation. He praised Isak, the footballer and said the relationship between the Magpies’ fans and Isak can still be good should the 25-year-old continue to play for the side.
“I think it is a lose-lose situation to a degree for us because I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation. That is why I have said all summer, it is a difficult situation for the club to manage,” said Howe on Isak who was the subject of a 110 million pounds ($148.34 million) bid from Liverpool earlier this month, according to media reports, and in a social media post on Tuesday accused Newcastle of breaking promises.
However, the club responded by saying there had been no commitment to sell the 25-year-old, who is under contract until 2028.
“We love Alex in the sense of what he has done for this football club since he has been here, what he has contributed, what he has given, how professional he’s been and this has just been an unfortunate few months that looks like it is coming to an end. And it will come to an end pretty quickly and then we can focus on the football again,” said Howe.
When asked if fans would welcome Isak back, if he chose to play for the club again, Howe said, “The relationship between our fans and Isak can still be good. The fans will always react to the way a player plays. There is always two sides to a story. We will see where we are in a week’s time. I hope I can work with him again.”
Isak out from Liverpool clash
Newcastle manager Howe also confirmed that Isak will not be involved for the Premier League game against Liverpool on Monday, adding he would like to see the Sweden international back in action for Newcastle.
“No, there’s been no change (in Isak’s situation),” he said. “He won’t be part of the squad for this weekend’s game. My preference for these things is that it doesn’t happen publicly because everything is better dealt with behind closed doors,” said Howe.
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“But needs must and the club has spoken, probably justifiably so in that moment. Of course (I hope he can be re-integrated). He is contracted to us, he’s our player. My wish is he would be playing on Monday night with us, but he won’t be and that’s regrettable, but I want to 100 per cent see him in a Newcastle shirt,” he added.
