Isak scored his first premier league goal for Liverpool in a 2-0 win over West Ham in matchday 13, but was subdued against Sunderland midweek.

Slot explained that Isak's slow start is understandable, as he missed most of pre-season at Newcastle due to his desire to leave. However, the Dutch coach stated the blame is not entirely on the player.

"He is not the only number 9 who sometimes lacks opportunities", Slot stated on 5/12 during the press conference before the match against Leeds in premier league matchday 15. "At this level, a forward cannot have 8, 9, or 10 chances each half. However, we want to put Isak in more threatening situations".

Coach Arne Slot shakes hands with Alexander Isak as he substitutes the striker during Liverpool's 2-0 victory over West Ham at London stadium, England on 30/11/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

The 47-year-old coach explained that the team's tighter play, aimed at reducing goals conceded, inadvertently decreased their chance creation. "That is something I need to improve: getting the number 9 more involved in play and appearing more often in the final third", he noted.

Isak averaged only 14 touches in his three recent starts for Liverpool. Slot, however, emphasized that quality outweighs quantity, citing Haaland at Manchester City as an example.

"At Newcastle, his average was 22 touches", Slot explained. "In this league, forwards do not touch the ball excessively. The key is that each touch must make a difference. Consider Haaland: he does not touch the ball hundreds of times, but he always appears in the right place. Haaland touches the ball more in important positions, and that is where we need to improve".

The midweek draw with Sunderland at Anfield saw Liverpool drop to 9th in the premier league with 22 points. Liverpool has secured only three victories in their last 14 matches across all competitions and has not won their last three games at Anfield.

Slot suggested that the recent results underscore the intense competition in the premier league. "The league is strengthening. All clubs have significant financial resources, making the gap very small", he remarked. "Our primary objective is to return to the top 4, as we are dissatisfied with our current standing".

Slot faced numerous questions regarding his decision to bench Mohamed Salah for the second consecutive match, but he deemed it normal. "Salah is an excellent player and is always in my plans, whether starting or coming on", he affirmed, declining to disclose if the Egyptian forward would start against Leeds.

*Hong Duy (according to Guardian, ESPN)*