Why Liverpool cult hero is praying for Alexander Isak World Cup heartbreak
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9 endured persistent fitness issues throughout his debut season at Anfield.Having arrived at Liverpool without any pre-season preparation, owing to the circumstances of his drawn-out and contentious transfer from Newcastle, where he effectively downed tools, Isak found himself constantly playing catch-up and was plagued by fitness concerns before a broken leg in December ruled him out for four months.Isak has netted once and provided three assists at the World Cup thus far for Graham Potter's team, which faces France in the last 32 on Tuesday in New York.However, Smicer, who lifted the Champions League trophy with Liverpool in 2005, believes an early return to club duties would represent a significant advantage for the Reds in their efforts to bring their expensive forward up to full match sharpness ahead of Andoni Iraola's inaugural year as head coach."To be honest, I'd prefer if Alexander Isak wasn't playing in the World Cup," Smicer told Casinostugan. "He should have two or three weeks rest after the season and then start a six-week preparation for next season.Isak endured a tough first season at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)"I think that's what he was missing this season: being fit for Liverpool.
He probably had a little rest after the season and then started his training camp with Sweden before the World Cup."Maybe the training camp helps him a little bit, but I don't think he'll be 100 percent fit [at] the World Cup. I hope so, but I don't believe it."From a Liverpool perspective, I'd prefer Sweden to go out quickly.
On the other hand, I would like to see him scoring goals because I still believe we bought the right player and he will score many goals for Liverpool."Smicer added: "I'm not sure about his fitness, and I hope he will not get injured in the World Cup. I pray he will be okay and have a good World Cup for his confidence."It's difficult because all the players going far in the World Cup won't have a lot of pre-season training sessions, which is a worry.