Liverpool forward Alexander Isak has delivered a brutally honest assessment of Sweden’s World Cup qualifying campaign, admitting the national team is in “a crisis situation” following their latest defeat to Kosovo.
The 26-year-old started and played the full 90 minutes as Sweden slumped to a third consecutive qualifying loss, leaving them bottom of the group with just one point from four matches.
After the match, Isak spoke to Fotbollskanalen, expressing frustration at both his own performance and the team’s general lack of progress since the last qualification cycle. His comments reflected a growing sense of disillusionment within the Swedish camp after a year of underachievement.
Alexander Isak on Sweden’s poor form
“It’s awful. Embarrassing. Disappointing, yet again. Everything is too bad. A combination of everything — we’re playing too badly. The way we’re playing doesn’t work. We’re doing it too badly individually too. It’s a combination of everything.” — Alexander Isak, speaking to Fotbollskanalen
Isak admitted that the team’s performances have regressed since the World Cup qualifiers began and said there’s been “no progress” under current head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.
When pressed on the mood in the squad, the Liverpool striker didn’t hold back.
“It’s sad that we’re in this situation,” he said. “It’s a bit of a crisis situation. That’s clear. I don’t know what we’re going to do. But it’s all too bad.”
Sweden’s struggles and Isak’s Liverpool start
Sweden’s form has been abysmal in recent months, with heavy defeats and inconsistent displays sparking pressure on Tomasson’s position. Both Isak and fellow striker Viktor Gyökeres have been under the spotlight — not only for Sweden’s results but for their disrupted pre-seasons after forcing transfers during the summer window.
Isak’s move from Newcastle United to Liverpool came on deadline day for a British record fee, following a strike that saw him refuse to train with the Magpies. The delay meant he missed much of pre-season and arrived at Anfield short of match fitness.
Despite that, he has produced flashes of quality under Jürgen Klopp’s successor, registering one goal and one assist in his first six matches for the Reds.
Alexander Isak 2025/26 season stats
| Stat (2025/26) | Alexander Isak |
|---|---|
| Club | Liverpool |
| Appearances | 6 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes played | 420 |
source: sofascore Premier League data – 13 October 2025
Those modest numbers are understandable given the circumstances, but for Sweden — where he leads the line — expectations remain higher.
Analyst Verdict — John William, FootballPlace
In my view, Isak’s honesty is refreshing but also revealing of a deeper problem inside the Sweden setup. His blunt “crisis” admission signals not only disappointment but a lack of clarity about the team’s direction.
We believe his transfer saga and limited pre-season have affected his sharpness, yet the leadership he’s showing in confronting the issue publicly could help spark a response. The pressure is now firmly on Jon Dahl Tomasson to turn things around before the campaign becomes unsalvageable.
Key Insights
- Alexander Isak admits Sweden are in “a crisis situation” after loss to Kosovo.
- The Liverpool striker says the team’s performances have regressed since the World Cup qualifiers began.
- Sweden sit bottom of their group with one point from four games.
- Isak moved to Liverpool from Newcastle on deadline day for a British record fee.
- Both Isak and Viktor Gyökeres missed pre-season after forcing transfers.
What’s Next for Isak and Sweden
Sweden now face a must-win double-header in November to keep faint qualification hopes alive. Tomasson’s position is under review, and Swedish media expect changes if results don’t improve immediately.
For Isak, focus will quickly return to Liverpool’s Premier League campaign, where he is expected to start against Brighton this weekend as the Reds chase early momentum under their new manager.
👉 Do you think Alexander Isak was right to speak so openly about Sweden’s problems?
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