Pep Guardiola offered a pointed but measured response after Arne Slot called Alexander Isak “maybe the best striker in the world.” Slot had praised Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson for helping to protect that player, a comment that was later put to Guardiola at his own press conference.<\/p>\n
Asked to rank Erling Haaland against Isak, Guardiola smiled and said: “A little bit above.”<\/p>\n
He went on to underline his view of both forwards: “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] Mbapp\u00e9, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo], it\u2019s a game of opinions.<\/p>\n
“I wouldn\u2019t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him.” <\/p>\n
Isak’s name featured in several Friday press conferences, including Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe’s first public comments since Sweden’s departure from St James’ Park. Howe attempted to draw a line under the situation while explaining how his relationship with the forward shifted following events this summer.<\/p>\n
“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship,” Howe said. “I loved working with him. I hope he enjoyed working with us.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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\u2019t 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\u2019t look like he enjoyed being at Newcastle. 100%.”<\/p>\n
Howe confirmed the relationship cooled after the striker refused to travel for pre-season, a decision he described as a turning point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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