Arne Slot and Liverpool have seemingly made themselves enemies of Newcastle United, and it seems likely Magpies fans enjoyed Brentford’s win over the Reds on Saturday
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was sent a brutal message by Brentford(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images))
Newcastle United supporters will almost certainly be enjoying Liverpool’s ongoing struggles especially after Arne Slot’s sly remark. The two Premier League clubs had been at odds over the summer after Alexander Isak’s controversial late move from St James Park to Anfield.
Having not had a pre-season, the Sweden international has been managed carefully, though regular starts have began arriving. Isak has not yet hit the heights reached on Tyneside however, with a new injury only likely to further disrupt his start to life at Liverpool.
The 26-year-old picked up the problem during their 5-1 Champions League win away at Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week and was subsequently absent for Saturday’s defeat to Brentford.
Prior to losing 3-1 in west London, Slot delivered a verdict on Isak which appeared to include a subtle dig at Newcastle. “I don’t think there’s a rule that every single player has the same,” he said when asked about Isak’s fitness and preparations.
“But it also depends on what he did when he didn’t train with the team, what the impact is if you go to a new club as a big signing. So you cannot compare, maybe a player who hasn’t trained or played in pre-season at a smaller club than if you go to Liverpool.
“There are many factors that you have to take into account and there is not one thing if it’s possible or not. It’s a thin balance. If you missed out on pre-season then some march through it and some unfortunately get injured again.”
Howe, speaking at his pre-match press conference, responded to a question on those comments by stating: “I don’t think it is wise for me to get involved in those discussions.
“Alex is no longer at this football club. It is best to stay away from it.”
(Image: (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images))
On whether he felt the need to defend the size of the club, Howe added: “I don’t feel I have to do that.”
The Magpies bounced back from defeat to Brighton with wins at home over Benfica and Fulham this week.
Just a few hours on from beating the latter, Liverpool suffered a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat which prompted Brentford supporters to cheekily chant towards Slot, “You’re getting sacked in the morning!”
Having won the Premier League, it’s fair to say the Dutchmen has plenty of credit in the bank and it is highly unlikely he will leave.
However, it is quite clear something needs to change with Newcastle just three points behind Liverpool despite the former only winning one of their first six league games.
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