Isak admits Liverpool’s first year was difficult after Ipswich double

The 26-year-old struck both goals inside the opening 9 minutes at Portman Road, taking his tally for the new season to 3 and already matching his Premier League total for Liverpool from last term.

It was an important night for both player and club.

Liverpool had been waiting for their first win of the season, while Isak was looking to build momentum after a difficult first year following his £125 million move to Anfield.

Bad timing and a long-term injury disrupted his start, making it hard for him to settle into the team or build any consistent rhythm. But after his sharp performance against Ipswich, the Swedish striker feels he is beginning to move beyond that difficult period.

“We were waiting for the first win,” Isak told Sky Sports. “We talked about starting the game well, which we have not done recently, so scoring 2 goals quickly was perfect for us.”

Liverpool had failed to lead at any point in their opening matches, but against Ipswich they came out with clear purpose. Isak’s rapid double gave Andoni Iraola’s side the early control they had been missing and set the tone for a far more convincing display.

Asked about the performance, Isak said Liverpool are beginning to find the style their new manager wants.

“With a normal pre-season, I think we are gradually finding the way we want to play. That is to attack and put pressure on the defence. I think we did that today. We scored 2 goals, and we could have scored more.”

For Isak personally, the goals also carried extra meaning.

His debut Liverpool campaign was interrupted by a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and the wider season became difficult as he struggled to find the continuity expected from a record signing. He admitted that his focus had been on putting that period behind him, having a strong World Cup and then making a faster start this time around.

“It was not easy,” he said. “Obviously, I was out for a long time and had a difficult season in general. I thought about having a good World Cup and then starting the season well, which I think I have done. It is all in the past now, but it really was not easy.”

The Ipswich win will not erase everything from last season, but it is a strong sign that Isak is finding confidence again. If Liverpool can keep starting matches with the same intensity, and if their striker can stay fit, the early struggles of his Anfield career may soon feel a long way away.