6 godzin temu
Liverpool are preparing for Sunday's clash with Manchester United at Anfield following a difficult international break. Alexander Isak remains without his first Premier League goal since his £125million deadline day move from Newcastle, but the Swedish striker has backing from an unexpected source.
Liverpool legend Michael Owen has warned against writing off the 26-year-old forward too early in his Anfield career. Owen told the Liverpool Echo that Isak is still adapting after missing most of pre-season and is being carefully managed in and out of the starting XI.
"Alexander Isak is coming back after not really having a pre-season, so he's coming in and out of the starting XI to try and get sharp and fit," Owen said. "If I was putting a fan's hat on, I'd be relaxed overall."
Owen backs struggling striker
The former England striker believes Liverpool's recent struggles - including defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea - shouldn't cause panic among supporters. Owen emphasised that Stamford Bridge has always been a difficult venue and the performance levels haven't dropped dramatically.
"That game could have gone either way, and it's not like Liverpool are playing badly," Owen added. "I wouldn't be as hot and bothered as some people. It just shows how fickle football is and how quick it can change."
Robertson addresses Scotland criticism
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson faced a different challenge during the international break after Scotland's narrow 2-1 victory over Belarus prompted boos from the Hampden Park crowd. The result moved Scotland joint-top of their World Cup qualifying group, but fans expected a more convincing performance against winless opposition.
Robertson acknowledged the supporters' frustration with characteristic honesty. "It doesn't feel good, we can be honest with that," he said. "It doesn't feel like a win at the minute, and I think you can see that by our reaction at the end, which is hugely frustrating."
The Scotland captain insisted the team would learn from the criticism ahead of November's crucial fixtures. "We felt that in the stands. We'll take that on board, but come November, we've got the chance to go to a World Cup and that's what we're focused on," Robertson added.
Balotelli opens up on struggles
Former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has revealed he's reached a "dead end" in his career after leaving Italian side Genoa. The 34-year-old, who scored just four goals in 28 appearances during his troubled 2014-15 season at Anfield, is currently without a club.
Balotelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport he remains physically fit but is struggling to find the right opportunity. "To be honest, I'm at a dead end," he admitted. "Physically, I feel good, I'm training for myself."
The Italian striker had hoped to remain in Serie A but no suitable offers materialised during the summer transfer window. "I'm fit and just waiting for the right opportunity. Football is still my life, but I only want to come back when I feel I can really contribute again," Balotelli said.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Liverpool Echo", "La Gazzetta dello Sport" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
