9 hours ago
2
Emile Krafth has rejected suggestions that Alexander Isak's exit from Newcastle this summer divided the dressing room.
Reports in several outlets claimed his controversial transfer to Liverpool split the squad, with one faction understanding of Isak’s stance and another group feeling he had let the side down. Since his move to Anfield was confirmed, several players have shown they harbor no resentment towards Isak, with messages of support and good luck from Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman, and Anthony Elanga.
However, the fiery Bruno Guimaraes perhaps indicated that he was less than impressed by Isak’s actions when he revealed last month that the pair had not spoken or seen each other for weeks.
Regardless, Krafth, who has been at Newcastle since 2019 and is also Isak’s international teammate, said in his eyes the situation has been "very chill."
“There were many who wanted to see Alex stay, but you understand how football works,” the right-back told Swedish outlet Sportbladet.
“I wish him all the best in the future. For me, Alex is not just a footballer, but a close friend too.
“The media wrote that the locker room would be divided. That is certainly not true. Football players understand football players, and we can only wish him the best of luck.
“As Anthony [Elanga] said, it has been very chill. No one has said or done anything. It is just taken out of thin air.
“You understand his and the club’s situation,” Krafth added. “Of course, they would have wanted to keep him, he is an incredibly good football player.”
Isak essentially went on strike to force through a move to Liverpool, resulting in him being forced to train away from the rest of the squad. Despite that, Krafth said he saw the 25-year-old on several occasions over the summer.
“We were in contact often and spoke on the phone,” he explained. “We also met. It’s clear that there were tough times for him but he’s also strong mentally. It’s clear that it was hard for him, but he got through it.
“In some ways it's nice that this merry-go-round is over so that he can focus on his own and the club can focus and move forward.
“It’s not easy that way. But you have to try not to read too much into it. You understand both sides.
"The fans’ frustration and that you want to keep your best player. And you understand Alex, that he might want to take the next step.”
English (US) ·