Michael Owen has offered his assessment of Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle United and how Alexander Isak might handle returning to face his former club this weekend.
The Swedish striker is set to revisit St James’ Park for the initial time since his high-profile British-record departure from Tyneside to Anfield last year, a transfer valued at £125m that transformed him from idol to outcast in the eyes of the Magpie faithful after he refused to participate in training or matches to push through the switch.
Isak’s debut season with the Merseyside club was significantly disrupted by injury problems, encompassing a broken leg, limiting him to just four goals across 22 total appearances.
Though Owen anticipates the Sweden international will manage the anticipated hostile atmosphere without issue, he maintains that the Reds must see a significant contribution from their marquee signing this term.
Addressing the reception Isak will encounter, Owen suggested the forward would handle the situation adequately since such scenarios are commonplace in the professional game and he would not be the initial or final player to revisit a previous employer. He explained that once someone becomes a professional competitor, the dynamic differs from supporter allegiances, which tend to remain fixed from childhood.
Acknowledging his own past experiences, Owen confessed he found revisiting former clubs uncomfortable despite understanding the professional requirements. He admitted his affection remained with Liverpool and competing against them felt unpleasant, though one must approach such situations with professionalism.
Owen expressed that Isak faces a pivotal campaign and the encounter would begin amid intense pressure, but Liverpool demonstrably require his contributions.
Speaking as part of the promotional activities for his forthcoming documentary series ‘Meet the Owens’ on Amazon Prime Video, Owen also indicated that while uncertainties persist regarding the Anfield outfit, reasonable optimism should accompany their preparations for the new season.
He voiced conviction about securing Champions League qualification, citing the quality of both the squad and coaching staff. Should everything synchronise effectively, the campaign ahead promises to be thrilling, though numerous questions surround the transition to a new manager and recent signings. The coming months would provide answers, yet initial sentiment leans toward positivity.
When questioned about potentially divided allegiances, Owen clarified he does not experience such conflicts, having been immersed in Liverpool’s youth system during his developmental years. The club holds an irreplaceable place in his affections and has always represented his primary team.
He expressed anticipation for the Premier League’s commencement, noting the return to regular work routines following recent periods occupied by other commitments. Even accounting for a World Cup-affected schedule, such intervals offer opportunities to refocus and approach the new season with renewed vigour.
All instalments of Meet the Owens will be streamable via Amazon Prime Video from late August.
An extensive television package covering more than 215 live Premier League fixtures throughout the upcoming season, alongside over 1,500 additional contests from the English Football League and other competitions, plus coverage of Formula One, golf and darts, is available through a current promotional offer.