Alexander Isak: ‘It’s not about making amends’ as Liverpool striker targets bigger role

Alexander Isak insists his focus this season is not on making up for lost time but on contributing more as he continues to find his rhythm at Liverpool.

The Swedish striker has made an encouraging start to the campaign, scoring four goals in five Premier League appearances after managing only three goals in 14 league outings last season.

Isak has also provided an assist in Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, underlining his growing influence since returning to full fitness.

The 27-year-old has started every Premier League and Champions League match for Liverpool this season and has accumulated 507 minutes of action.

His improved form has earned him a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Month award for September, alongside teammate Jeremy Jacquet.

Speaking while preparing for Sweden’s upcoming fixtures against Romania, Poland and Bosnia & Herzegovina, Isak acknowledged that he is pleased with his progress but believes there is more to come.

“I agree. There are many games where I feel like I should and want to contribute more and be more involved. It’s nothing strange.

“Of course you want to do it in all matches, but in some matches you are involved in most of it while in other matches you are involved less. It is the matches where you are not involved as much that you want to change.”

‘It’s not about making amends’

Isak has made his physical condition a key part of his improved start, having enjoyed a sustained period without injury.

The striker believes that consistency has provided the platform to rediscover his best form after a difficult campaign last season.

“I feel good, and I feel good physically. I’ve been healthy for a while now and have found some consistency. That’s the foundation for me to play good football.

“My focus has been on having a good season considering last year. It’s not about making amends, but having the usual ambitions to do well. I’ve had a good start, but it’s still very early. I won’t talk about that too much.”

Despite his improved numbers, Isak is refusing to place too much emphasis on his early-season statistics.

His priority is to establish himself as a more consistent and influential figure within a Liverpool side that has made a positive start under new boss Andoni Iraola.

Isak praises defensive progress

The Sweden international believes Liverpool have already developed greater defensive stability under Iraola, although he expects significant improvement in attack.

“The first feeling is that we are more stable defensively. Then we have a lot to improve offensively. The foundation is set and the bar is high.”

For Isak, that foundation provides an opportunity to build on Liverpool’s promising opening to the campaign while continuing to develop his understanding with his teammates.

His immediate attention, however, turns to international duty before Liverpool face one of their biggest tests after the break.

Isak is expected to lead the line when Liverpool take on Manchester City, giving him another opportunity to demonstrate his improved form against elite opposition.

Having already started every league and Champions League game this season, the forward will be looking to carry his momentum into the fixture.

His four Premier League goals represent a significant improvement on his output from last season, but Isak’s own assessment is measured.

Rather than viewing his current form as a chance to erase what happened last season, he wants to remain fit, stay involved and make a greater contribution to Liverpool’s campaign.