The former Switzerland star is convinced that Newcastle United have shown plenty of positive signs in their opening three matches – without Alexander Isak
Fabian Schar of Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United star Fabian Schar has insisted that there is definitely life after Alexander Isak at St James’ Park.
The 33-year-old was at Newcastle before the takeover in 2021 and has seen a number of stars come and go since signing back in 2018 for a bargain £3m under Rafa Benitez.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are the visitors to Tyneside as a new-look strike force of Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade will be unleashed on the rock-bottom Molineux side as a new chapter after Isak’s move to Liverpool gets under way.
Both teams are desperate for their first victory but Wolves are yet to pick up a point with Wanderers boss Vitor Pereira under early pressure in the top-flight’s sack race.
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For Newcastle, head coach Eddie Howe has been eager for the transfer window to close in order to move on from the Isak saga with the Sweden international now settling in at Liverpool after a £130million move.
But Schar believes that Newcastle’s win-less start is not just down to Isak’s decision to go on strike, as the Magpies start a busy schedule, Schar said: “I think in all three games (without Isak) we have actually been very strong.
“At Aston Villa, we were the better team and we should have won the game.
“Against Liverpool, we were the better team, and we showed great character to come back with 10 men after the red card.
“At Leeds, we showed great character, mentality, and were positive in the first three games.
“Now it is time to win games, and we can’t wait to go again after the international break.
“We still have not won this season, which is disappointing. I am proud of the team.”
Woltemade has arrived as Newcastle’s new record signing and emphasis will be on the 6ft 6in striker to help move the club to the next chapter after Isak.
Schar is already convinced that the signing from Stuttgart can do a job at Newcastle.
He said: “Nick fit in 100% in the Premier League. Obviously, it’s a different league and you ned to adapt, but with his qualities and motivation and everything, he’s going to be a great addition to the team.
“We miss goals here and Villa, but it’s not just down to the striker or whatever, but down to the whole team to create more chances.
“Every player we can add to this team will add something different, and surely he will add positive things.”
Newcastle finished fifth last season to qualify for the Champions League with Barcelona in town next Thursday.
Schar has no qualms about the team’s mentality ahead of a tough run, the Swiss star said: “Mentally we have shown character and been very solid defensively. But still, we have a lot to improve moving forward.”
“We can’t show up 10 or 15 minutes late in games and not be ready, and I think at Leeds we were ready from the first minute, that is very positive.”
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