Thierry Henry has shared the key area in which he believes Alexander Isak is making an error in the Newcastle striker’s bid to force a move to Liverpool.
The Swede has refused to train with the Magpies in the hope of being able to sign for Arne Slot’s side in what has become one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer window.
Isak, 25, was not in Eddie Howe’s squad for the second successive Premier League game as Liverpool came out on top in a 3-2 thriller thanks to a 100th-minute winner from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
Former Arsenal striker Henry gave his thoughts on Isak’s situation while appearing as a pundit on Monday Night Football for Sky Sports.
Henry, 48, said: ‘When you have a player in this type of situation at Newcastle where Isak wants to leave, it’s because he’s good that people are upset.
‘When a player is playing badly and the club wants him out, I don’t see anyone crying for the player.
Thierry Henry has shared the key area in which he believes Alexander Isak is making an error
Isak, 25, was not in Eddie Howe’s squad for the second successive Premier League game
‘We never know the whole story, but all I would say is that you cannot put yourself in a situation [as a player] where you don’t come to training.
When asked on how the situation could be resolved, the Frenchman added: ‘I think for me in an ideal world, the best thing for everyone would be for him to leave.
‘If [Isak] realises he has made a mistake in terms of what he has done to the dressing room, he can apologise, he can move on.
‘[But] the best thing for me right now would be if he goes but [Isak] needs to apologise if he wants a way back into the club.’
Newcastle want Isak to return to training and playing after he went on strike in a bid to force a move to Anfield. It is understood that a new contract would be part of discussions, if Isak committed himself to the club this season.
It has always been the club’s preference to keep Isak, and with time running out in the transfer window, they are determined to see him reintegrated into Howe’s squad. Sources believe Monday’s meeting is a step in the right direction.
Eddie Howe said he was ‘not party to talks that have been happening’, but admits his team have missed Isak in their opening two matches, which have brought just one point.
‘The quality of Alex, I think he would have made a difference in the two games,’ said Howe.
Newcastle want Isak to return to training and playing after he went on strike in a bid to force a move to Anfield
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‘But the team has functioned well, you can’t carry anyone. It was a great performance. The first half was very us, high octane, front-foot football. The only thing missing was goals.
‘The second half was really well executed by the players. I cannot fault them at all. They gave so much to the game. I’m absolutely gutted we have nothing to take from it.
‘We have shown our fighting spirit and put the distractions around us away. We’d just like the results to show for that.’