Eddie Howe has revealed that his relationship with Alexander Isak changed after his star player went on strike.
The Newcastle boss has spoken for the first time since the Swede’s £125million British record move to Liverpool on deadline day.
Isak refused to train with his team-mates as he attempted to force an exit this summer, and he and Howe did not speak after the player released an incendiary statement on August 19. In that, he claimed that promises were broken and trust had been lost.
Howe has always denied ever promising that Isak could leave the club, but he admits their relationship was not the same after he made himself unavailable to train or play.