Pep Guardiola Pokes Enjoyable at Alexander Isak Over ‘Best Striker’ Declare

Manchester City supervisor Pep Guardiola has insisted Erling Haaland is “a little bit above” Alexander Isak, who Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot described as the most effective striker on the planet.

Liverpool followers are eagerly awaiting Isak’s debut however, talking earlier on Friday, Slot known as for persistence in the direction of the £125 million ($169.5 million) signing, who is continuous to construct up his match health after a disjointed summer time.

Slot praised Sweden supervisor Jon Dahl Tomasson for serving to to guard “maybe the best striker in the world”—feedback which have been quickly put to Guardiola in his personal press convention simply hours later.

Asked how he would rank Haaland in comparison with Isak, Guardiola smiled: “A little bit above.”

The City boss continued: “Isak is an exceptional player. You asked me about Erling and he is top. Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. Another one would say [Kylian] Mbappé, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo], it’s a game of opinions.

“I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him.”

Isak’s identify was talked about in various Friday’s press conferences, together with that of Newcastle United supervisor Eddie Howe, who was talking for the primary time for the reason that Sweden’s departure from St James’ Park.

While eager to attract a line within the sand and transfer on, Howe confessed his rapport with Isak turned bitter this summer time after the striker refused to journey for pre-season with the Magpies.

“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship,” Howe mentioned. “I loved working with him. I hope he enjoyed working with us.

“It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player he in part is today and he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones and was part of a very successful team. The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was probably a turning point in our relationship.

“We want to create an environment and home for them that they love being at. But I would say Alex was very much part of that and loved his time here so I don’t think that was the issue. I think the issue for him was more when the other club came, that then changed his thought process. I never had a day where Alex didn’t look like he enjoyed being at Newcastle. 100%.”

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