Swedish national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has defended Alexander Isak amid mounting criticism of the forward’s attempts to force a transfer away from Newcastle United, insisting that the situation is more complex than it appears.
Isak, who is of Eritrean heritage, has been at the centre of intense speculation in recent weeks after refusing to join Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia and training separately since the team returned to England.
Reports in England claim the 25-year-old striker has effectively gone on strike to push through a move to Liverpool, who have already seen a significant bid rejected by Newcastle.
The Athletic further reported that Isak has told the club he does not intend to play for them again.
Tomasson, who earned a reputation as a prolific striker during his playing days and had a brief spell at Newcastle in 1997-98, urged caution when assessing Isak’s stance.
“First and foremost, Alex is an extremely professional player. A fantastic character and personality. I have talked a lot with Alex during this period,” Tomasson told Fotbollskanalen.
“Such situations are quite complex. These are extremely complex environments in which the players operate. I am sure that it will work out in the end, but you have to know the whole picture before you draw conclusions.
“I don’t think we know it. I don’t know the whole picture either. There is a lot of politics in a football club. But one thing is certain: Alex is a fantastic guy and very professional.”
Isak has not featured for Newcastle since the end of last season and was absent from the squad that drew 0-0 with Aston Villa in their Premier League opener.
Tomasson is set to name his squad for Sweden’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on September 5 but admitted uncertainty remains over the striker’s match fitness.
“There is time. He is a pro, and I know he has trained. Of course, he hasn’t trained with a team and hasn’t played matches. Let’s wait and see,” Tomasson added.
