Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has sent a stern reminder to Alexander Isak to remember how the club have helped him become one of the best strikers in Europe.
The Swedish forward is currently pushing for a move away from St James’ Park this summer, with Liverpool having had a £110million bid rejected.
As a result, Isak has gone on strike and will not feature in the Magpies’ Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Howe is hopeful that the club can still keep their star man, and has pulled on his heartstrings before admitting the saga has unified his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “There has been no change. All my focus is on Aston Villa tomorrow. Isak’s situation has been clear for a while and that will continue to be the case.
“I’ve had a great relationship with him, you need that partnership with every player. I have to work really closely with the player for his benefit, to try and improve them. I always want to be there for him.
“I don’t think Isak would have done as well without that, his team mates, the supporters – he recognises that, he’s an intelligent person.
“In early pre-season, I have not shied away from it being a difficult time. You could see that in our performances.
“But the players are strong mentally, the mood has been good, performances recently have been better. The group has reacted well. Sometimes these things can have a good effect, and we were close anyway. These things can unify you in a way you didn’t know possible.”
Starting strong
With or without Isak, Newcastle will be hoping to kick off the campaign with three points.
And Howe gave an injury update ahead of the trip to Villa Park,
He added: “Everyone is available apart from Joe [Willock], and he’s not too far away himself.
“We have a relatively good looking squad in terms of injury news. Malick [Thiaw] will be part of the squad, he has trained two days, never easy coming in at the end of pre-season, but he’s doing well.”
