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Alexander Isak has responded to a conspiracy theory that Liverpool instructed Sweden to limit the club's new signing's playing time during World Cup qualifying matches.
Following his move from Newcastle, Isak joined Jon Dahl Tomasson's squad for the team's crucial fixtures against Slovenia and Kosovo. Due to his recent limited match fitness, the striker wasn't expected to feature from the start in either Group B encounter.
After remaining on the bench throughout the 2-2 stalemate away to Slovenia, he was introduced for merely 18 minutes in Kosovo, where he faced hostility from the home crowd. This occurred despite Sweden finding itself 2-0 down at the break.
Tomasson's choice not to introduce Isak from kick-off or early in the second period sparked criticism. Speaking on Viaplay, journalist Erik Niva expressed frustration: "If Alexander Isak is not going to be used now, when is he going to be used?
"We need him. We need everything we can ever find as quickly as possible, and Alexander Isak is one of the best players in the world."
The forward finally entered the action in the 72nd minute, taking the place of former Newcastle teammate Anthony Elanga, but couldn't inspire a comeback as Sweden endured a costly defeat that left its qualification hopes for next summer's tournament hanging by a thread.
Niva subsequently suggested that Liverpool had stipulated Isak could feature for no longer than 20 minutes, though he acknowledged: "That is speculation on my part and I don't know."
When questioned about the 20-minute restriction after the match, Isak responded: "Not that I know of. I'm with the national team now. Clubs and national teams have contact, but it's between them in such cases."
He also said: "It's hard to know exactly how many minutes are right."
Tomasson hinted at his limited control over Isak's playing time, telling Viaplay: "That was the maximum number of minutes I could give him."
The lack of transparency surrounding the issue drew criticism, with Evin remarking: "Now it just became bad for all parties involved. Jon Dahl Tomasson might have needed to be clearer from the beginning in explaining what was involved.
"My impression is that Liverpool had ordered a maximum of 20 minutes, absolutely no more."
Echoing this sentiment, fellow pundit and former Arsenal star, Freddie Ljungberg, added: "That's what it sounded like. He said he played what he could."
Post-match, Isak addressed his contentious exit from Newcastle, asserting "not everyone has the whole picture."
He said: "I can't control everything that is said or written, but I'm glad I became a Liverpool player. That's what I wanted, and I'm happy about that. There is a lot to discuss, and it can be discussed for a long time. It has been educational, and I'm happy with the final result. I'm happy and proud to be a Liverpool player.
"I don't want to go into details or talk about that situation too much. It is a closed chapter, but I have never had any problems. It's been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the pitch too."
Isak might feature for his Liverpool bow in Sunday's Premier League encounter against Burnley at Turf Moor. Meanwhile, Sweden will be eager to include him in the team's vital qualifying matches against Switzerland and Kosovo come October.
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