Despite Liverpool’s commanding victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, manager Arne Slot delivered a scathing post-match verdict that left fans stunned—directed not at the opposition, but one of his own players.
Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s £116 million summer signing from Newcastle, became the unexpected target of Slot’s frustration after a subdued first-half display. The striker, expected to bring dynamism and flair to the Reds’ attack, was substituted at halftime after a quiet 45 minutes marked by just 18 touches, no shots, and several misplaced passes.
Liverpool’s performance on the night otherwise embodied resilience and power. After falling behind to Rasmus Kristensen’s early strike, Hugo Ekitike equalized against his former club with a clinical finish. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté then turned the tide with two towering headers from corners—an ironic twist given Slot’s recent complaints about Liverpool’s set-piece fortune. Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai added further goals after the break, sealing a statement win and ending a four-game slump.
Yet, the focus quickly shifted to Slot’s explosive remarks about Isak. Speaking to TNT Sports, the usually composed manager didn’t mince words:
“A complete flop, an embarrassment, a waste of hype—a massive letdown for this club. His mentality was off, his choices amateurish, and his attitude toxic for a dressing room like ours.”
Slot’s critique struck a nerve across social media, with fans dubbing the incident “The Isak Inquisition.” Memes and clips of the striker’s halftime substitution flooded timelines, sparking debate over whether Slot’s public rebuke was justified.
The manager later clarified that Isak still has the potential to thrive but needs to show greater intensity and hunger to fit Liverpool’s demanding style. “He’s got the tools—just not the fire,” Slot admitted, hinting that the striker may spend more time on the bench until his mindset changes.
For all the joy of victory, Slot’s message was unmistakable: at Liverpool, no one is untouchable. The Reds move forward with momentum, but for Isak, the battle to prove himself at Anfield has only just begun
