Howe Defends Newcastle After Slot's 'Smaller Club' Jibe

Liverpool boss Arne Slot said Alexander Isak’s early struggles and groin injury were linked to the striker not having trained or played a full pre‑season at what he called a “smaller club,” a comment he made after Liverpool’s 5-1 Champions League win. Isak, who moved from Newcastle to Liverpool for about £125 million, has one goal in eight appearances since the transfer. The remark revived tensions from Isak’s summer strike and transfer saga, but Newcastle manager Eddie Howe declined to escalate the row, saying “Alex is no longer at this football club” and that it was unwise for him to get involved. Howe vigorously defended Newcastle’s player care and training set-up, pointing to ongoing investment and building work and noting other players have needed time to regain top fitness. He also praised Isak’s replacement, Nick Woltemade, who has scored five goals and shown marked physical improvement since arriving.