Alexander Isak insists Liverpool are heading in the right direction despite their 3-2 pre-season defeat to Monaco at Anfield on Sunday, with the striker pointing to his own improving sharpness as evidence that the new-look side is finding its rhythm.
Isak opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a composed finish, his second goal in as many pre-season appearances, before a combination with Florian Wirtz doubled Liverpool’s lead on the half-hour.
Aleksandr Golovin’s penalty and Mika Biereth’s equaliser set the stage for Paris Brunner’s late headed winner that snatched the result for Monaco.
The Swede struck an upbeat tone about his own fitness trajectory when speaking after the match.
“I feel good, I feel good,” he said. “Every game hopefully should take me to a better fitness level, so that’s what I’m working towards. I think today felt better than last game and hopefully the next game feels better than today. That’s what pre-season is for, building, and that’s what we have to keep doing.”
Isak also addressed the slight confusion surrounding Liverpool’s second goal, which both he and Wirtz appeared to claim.
“I think we agreed, me and Flo, that we both got a touch on the ball,” Isak said. “But obviously I don’t know who got the first one or the last one. It felt like I was on the ball. I don’t really know.”
On returning to Anfield in front of the club’s supporters for the first time this summer, Isak was straightforward in his assessment.
“It was good. Really nice to be back at home, back in front of the fans and get some more minutes into the legs. So that felt good.”
Asked about his relationship with new manager Andoni Iraola and the mood inside the dressing room, the striker gave a picture of a group focused on being ready when the Premier League season begins.
“Really good. I feel like the spirit is good in the group and we’re all working hard to make things work. We’re going to make sure that we’re ready for the start.”
Liverpool’s next pre-season outing is away at Crystal Palace on August 12.
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