2 weeks ago
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Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Eddie Howe and the Newcastle squad for the way they dealt with the Alexander Isak situation during the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old striker failed to participate in training or matches as he pushed for a move to Liverpool, one that eventually went through on deadline day. Isak's lack of a preseason has cost him, with the striker scoring just once in seven games for the Reds.
Due to the Isak saga, Newcastle was left short of attacking options with limited time to secure a replacement before the window slammed shut. Former Premier League manager Mourinho reckons the Magpies have recovered impressively from the Isak affair.
Speaking at St. James' Park before Benfica's Champions League encounter with Newcastle, Mourinho highlighted Nick Woltemade as a significant danger.
He said: "What happened with Isak in the summer is very difficult for a club and very difficult for a coach, and very difficult for the fellow players.
"I think in the end everybody knows he is going to leave to Liverpool.
"But one thing is everybody knows he is going to leave, and another is it is done.
"When it is done you can move on, when it is done you can have a new player and when you have a new player you can start to train and adapt to play with the new player because of course Isak and Nick Woltemade are different players."
Mourinho, who has experienced numerous transfer disputes throughout his managerial career, appeared to sympathize with his opposite number.
Had circumstances been different, he might have been preparing to face the Swedish striker on Tuesday rather than Woltemade, who has made an impressive start, while Isak has found it difficult to settle at Liverpool.
Woltemade goes into Wednesday's fixture having just scored against Brighton, taking his tally for the season to seven goals in all competitions.
Mourinho, who captivated the Tyneside media during a fascinating 30-minute press conference, remarked: "There is always a transition, but it looks like this boy has been playing here all his life.
"Because he is performing, adapting and loved by the fans.
"Newcastle are doing things right, doing things right."
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