Newcastle United fans won’t ever be getting closure from Alexander Isak, it seems.
Now, plenty of Newcastle United fans will no doubt be enjoying Isak’s struggles at Liverpool, such is the level of ill-feeling towards him.
Isak tarnished his legacy on Tyneside and many supporters would be within their rights to not want to hear from him ever again.
Who is the one player you were FURIOUS with Newcastle United for selling? Go back as far as you want!
I’ll start: I’m still not over Mike Ashley selling Andy Carroll to Liverpool all those years ago!😡
Still, others may want closure. Newcastle were not happy with the way Isak left and rightly so.
At some point, it would be fascinating to hear his genuine thoughts on the matter. Isak can’t be blamed for wanting to leave, but doing what he did left a very sour taste in the mouth.
Frustratingly, Isak – for whatever reason – appears reluctant to give any closure.
Alexander Isak does not want to talk about the way he left Newcastle United
Isak has recently conducted an interview with Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, after he was named Swedish Footballer of the Year.
The forward hasn’t spoken much about the manner in which he left. Isak said Newcastle broke promises before he left the club but that has been about the extent of it.
Asked about refusing to play at Newcastle, Isak said: “I can say this, things are always more complicated than they seem.
“I have talked about this, but I have not gone into depth. And it is not something that I want to do, based on the fact that I have put it behind me. I am focusing forward, there is no benefit in going into it or opening it up – neither for me nor for anyone else. It must remain in the past.”
Are Newcastle United missing Alexander Isak?
Saying yes doesn’t mean you want him back…
Eddie Howe’s expert opinion on whether Newcastle United actually miss Alexander Isak
It is possible to concede that Newcastle are probably missing Isak’s strengths this season, while respecting the work Nick Woltemade has done in replacing him.
Indeed, it’s not the German’s fault that he’s of an entirely different player profile and, crucially, he has been scoring goals.
Still, the sudden departure of a player who Newcastle’s attack was built around is obviously going to cause issues, as good as Woltemade has been on an individual basis.
Clearly, the hope is that Yoane Wissa can offer something close to what Isak used to now that he has returned to fitness.
Eddie Howe believes the team has changed without Isak, though doesn’t think it means they cannot be successful.
Asked about whether Newcastle are still missing Isak, Howe told his pre-match press conference ahead of the Chelsea game: “I don’t think it’s just that.
“There’s been other changes to the team. I think Alex’s role in the team was obviously so important, he was leading the line.
“I think whenever you have a player in that position with the multi-skills that he has, you’re going to be a slightly different team.
“That’s not to say that Nick can’t be hugely successful here and the team can’t be successful with him in it.
“But we just need to find ways to play better and feel those rhythms of partnerships that we pride ourselves on.”
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
