Alexander Isak admits he does not want to dwell on tense relationship with former boss Eddie Howe after admitting he has not spoken to Newcastle head coach since Liverpool move

Isak went on strike as he sought to secure a summer switch to Liverpool, claiming that promises had been broken by former side Newcastle. The Swede was instrumental for the Magpies last season, scoring 23 league goals as Eddie Howe's side earned a Champions League finish.

However, a lack of pre-season means that Isak has struggled in the opening weeks of his Liverpool career. Indeed, the 26-year-old has scored just one goal - an easy finish in a 2-1 EFL Cup win over Championship side Southampton - and hasn't lasted the full 90 in all four Liverpool starts.

Even so, Isak was called up to the Sweden squad for the October international break, starting their must-win game against Switzerland on Friday night. The Blue and Yellow have failed to win their opening two World Cup qualifying matches, but the striker is hoping to gain a head of steam ahead of the return to domestic duties next week.

And speaking ahead of Sweden's World Cup qualifier against Switzerland, Isak believes it is best for all parties to put the saga behind them. "It's nothing I want to dwell on now. It doesn't benefit anyone, neither me nor Newcastle so let it be," Isak is quoted by ESPN.

Isak was also asked whether he had spoken to former boss Howe at all following his Newcastle exit, to which he simply replied: "No." The Magpies ultimately signed Nick Woltemade and Yoana Wissa from VfB Stuttgart and Brentford, respectively, to ease the frontman's departure for Liverpool.

Newcastle have been struggling in the final third in the wake of Isak's exit having scored just six league goals in the opening seven games of the season. Woltemade has made a fine start to life at St. James' Park having scored three times, but Wissa is yet to feature for his new side due to injury.

Isak meanwhile has insisted he is working hard to build up his fitness following his Liverpool switch. The former Borussia Dortmund hitman is essentially playing catch up having missed the entirety of pre-season as he looked secure his move to the Reds.

"I'm working hard to push myself and play my game," Isak added. "Things have been a bit tougher for us. I believe that as the team improves and things start to flow better, it will also go better for me.

"I've been really happy so far. A city where the team has a very good relationship with the fans which is important. It's been nice so far."

And ahead of the game against Switzerland, Isak stated: "I'm ready for 90 minutes if needed. 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."

Liverpool are hoping to get their season back on track when Premier League football resumes next weekend. The Reds lost three consecutive matches for the first time since 2023 prior to the international break as the defending champions fell to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea, albeit by a single goal in each game.

Even so, Liverpool's loss at Chelsea combined with Arsenal's 2-0 win over West Ham last weekend means the Reds currently sit second in the Premier League table. Many now have the Gunners down as title favourites as the north London side look to finally mount a successful title push.

Arne Slot's side get their Premier League defence back underway against fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, 19th October. Liverpool have failed to win their last two home league meetings with United since thrashing the Manchester giants 7-0 in 2023 having been held to respective 0-0 and 2-2 draws in front of their own fans.