Isak is not yet at optimal level of fitness, according to Slot. He compared the condition of the former Real Sociedad player to that of a player entering the second or third week of preseason. Slot mentioned that typically, after one or two weeks of preseason, a player can play 45 to 60 minutes. However, due to the tight schedule, it has been difficult to provide normal training sessions. As a result, Isak might be able to play around 45 minutes.
Despite this, Slot has to plan carefully. With a hot match against Everton in the Premier League just two days after the Atletico duel, the coaching staff must carefully manage Isak’s playing time. It presents a challenge for our performance staff on how to maximize his contribution from the start while ensuring that he can consistently perform until the end of the season, Slot emphasized.
Without Isak, Liverpool struggled to break down Burnley’s solid defense. Fortunately, Mohamed Salah’s penalty in the late stages of the game secured all three points for Slot’s team.
