Owen backs Isak as Slot plans gradual return at Liverpool

Michael Owen, the former Liverpool striker turned broadcaster, has backed new signing Alexander Isak to succeed at Anfield while praising manager Arne Slot's cautious plan to build the Sweden forward back to full fitness. Owen said on Friday that Isak will "hit the ground running" and advised supporters not to worry about the transfer saga that preceded his British record move to Liverpool this month.

Isak, who cost Liverpool 125 million pounds, made his Reds debut in the midweek 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid, playing about an hour after missing most of preseason and the opening Premier League fixtures. Slot has repeatedly stressed the club will manage Isak's minutes carefully because the forward trained away from Newcastle during the summer and has played little competitive football. Slot said the Sweden coach had handled Isak's return prudently and that Liverpool will follow the same approach, aiming to build him up gradually so he can be available over the long term.

"Don't expect him to be every single game 90 minutes on the pitch," Slot said, explaining that the club signed Isak for years, not just the next two weeks. He added that Isak could be readied for...