Dwight Yorke blames Arne Slot for Alexander Isak’s difficult Liverpool spell

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke believes Alexander Isak's disappointing first season at Liverpool was made even more difficult by Arne Slot's management of the Swedish forward.

Isak arrived at Anfield in a record-breaking move from Newcastle United last summer but struggled to justify his price tag after injuries and inconsistent selection disrupted his debut campaign. Now, ahead of Andoni Iraola's first season in charge, Yorke believes the striker deserves a fresh start.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Yorke admitted he remains a huge admirer of Isak but questioned whether the former Liverpool manager created the right environment for the striker to succeed.

The 26-year-old endured a frustrating campaign after suffering a fractured leg in December, an injury that kept him sidelined for more than three months.

When he returned, Isak found himself regularly competing with Hugo Ekitiké for a starting place, something Yorke believes damaged the striker's confidence.

"When Ekitike was keeping Isak out of the team, you're not feeling like you're worth £120 million and that's when the doubts start to kick in."

Yorke also criticised Slot's constant rotation.

"You've got the previous manager messing you around and not playing you, chopping and changing every few seconds. Liverpool were never going to get the best out of a player like Isak in that environment."

Despite his difficult first year at Anfield, Yorke believes Isak can still rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League's most feared forwards at Newcastle.

The former striker is eager to see how new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola approaches the situation and whether he establishes Isak as his first-choice striker.

Yorke suggested consistent backing from the manager will be crucial if the Sweden international is to regain confidence.

"If you're a striker, you want to be told you're the number one, and if you're not getting that message from the manager, then you've got a long season ahead of you."

Injuries undoubtedly played a major role in Isak's struggles, but Liverpool remain convinced the striker can become a key player under Iraola.

Before his move to Anfield, Isak had established himself as one of the Premier League's elite forwards at Newcastle thanks to his intelligent movement, finishing and technical quality.

With a full pre-season behind him and a new manager in place, Liverpool will hope the 2026/27 campaign marks the beginning of a return to his best rather than another season of frustration.

Isak will begin pre-season under Iraola with the opportunity to re-establish himself as Liverpool's leading striker. After an injury-disrupted debut campaign, the new manager's tactical approach and faith in the Sweden international could determine whether he rediscovers the form that convinced Liverpool to make him one of the most expensive signings in their history.

Can Andoni Iraola get the best out of Alexander Isak, or are Liverpool right to have concerns after his first season at Anfield?