Alexander Isak says Liverpool were “not good enough” in defeat to Fenerbahce

Alexander Isak believes Liverpool were not good enough in their Champions League defeat to Fenerbahce. The striker came off the bench and put his side back in front, but his goal could not prevent a 3-2 loss. It was his first Champions League goal for Liverpool, whom he joined from Newcastle United.

Trey Nyoni had opened the scoring before Mason Greenwood levelled with a deflected free-kick. After the break, Isak restored Liverpool’s lead. Archie Brown then brought Fenerbahce level, before Vedat Muriqi headed in the winner in the 79th minute.

Isak acknowledged the difficult atmosphere but focused on the chances his side had let go. “We could and should have got more out of the game. It’s a bit sloppy to have been ahead twice and then lose; it’s not good enough,” he said. He also pointed to Liverpool conceding quickly after scoring and said the team should have made more of those goals.

The Swede was pleased to find the net, but could not fully enjoy his first European goal for the club. “I was happy with it at the time. I hoped it would lead to more. I’m always happy to score, but today we lost, so it takes a bit away from it,” he said.

The defeat followed another loss for Liverpool in their previous fixture. Isak believes the situation can still be turned around if the team responds in its next match. “We’ve put ourselves in a good position. If we lose this game, it’s not a chaos situation. We just need to get back to winning ways; if we win the next game, we’re back in a really good position,” he said.

The result also exposed Liverpool’s defensive problems. Fenerbahce’s three goals came from set pieces: a free-kick, a corner and a long throw-in, The Guardian reported. The newspaper also said Andoni Iraola had arrived in Istanbul hoping to improve Liverpool’s attack, but left concerned about the other end of the pitch. Isak’s own assessment was direct: Liverpool should have taken more from the game.