The whole of football Sweden was in shock. The nation has the two hottest strikers in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, against Kosovo in World Cup qualifying, the two could not find the back of the net in the 2-0 loss or give victory in the 2-2 draw against Slovenia. As deserved, it comes from a former Dortmund player.
Isak’s transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool for a British record £125 million was completed on Deadline Day after the striker refused to play in the Magpies’ first three league games to force the transfer. He also went out on social media to accuse the club of breaking promises to him. The 25-year-old has since chosen to drop all media duties while he was on the Swedish national team to focus on his football. Earlier this summer, Gyokeres’ £64m move to Arsenal came after a long-running saga that sparked a conflict with Sporting CP’s president, who got into a war of words with the player and his agent.
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This was the run-up to the World Cup qualifier for Sweden. The two most sought-after strikers in the summer transfer market, but with chaotic transfer stories behind them.
Former Swiss international Alexander Frei came out loudly criticizing the two Swedes for what he believed were “dirty tricks” to force through the transfer, a strategy that could now backfire and threaten Sweden’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
-With Isak… It fits perfectly into the picture. He went on strike in Newcastle, refused to train, and then moved for almost 150 million euros. An amount I don’t understand at all. This would be one of the biggest misunderstandings in football. You will see,” the former Borussia Dortmund player begins to Blick.
-The same thing happened with Gyokeres. He went on strike in Lisbon so that he could join Arsenal. I simply don’t understand it. It will catch up with you. Maybe this is the first warning that they will not qualify for the World Cup, Frei grumbles.
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Then we will see if the strategies of the two super Swedes “pay off.”
