Eddie Howe calls Liverpool ‘the other team’ as Newcastle United’s manager refuses to mention name

It will take eternity before Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool is forgotten by Newcastle United fans.

The Sweden international became a popular and likeable figure at St. James Park due to his impressive performances, culminating in helping the club lift its first ever trophy in over seven decades.

The relationship turned sour when Isak decided to force his way out of Newcastle.

It took the clubs 45 weeks to agree on a deal with the Reds.

The saga stole the attention of the just-ended transfer window, and the Toon Army are yet to let the case die.

Ahead of the club’s clash against the struggling Wolves, Newcastle United’s manager disclosed how he enjoyed working with the departed Isak.

“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship. I loved working with him, and I hope he loved working with us”, Howe said.

“It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player that he in part is today. And he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones. He was part of a very successful team.

No one can hide the benefits both parties gained as the striker became a complete player from the one fans knew at Dortmund and Real Sociedad. Newcastle United broke their trophyless run after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the EFL Cup finals, where the striker scored the winner.

“But to give you a bit more on that, the moment he went on strike our relationship did change. I think that was probably a turning point in our relationship. Communication became difficult from that point onwards. I won’t go into any more detail than that”, he added.

The relationship between Isak and the club became so horrible to the extent that the club unfurled a banner at Villa Park on the opening weekend of the season and used all forms of unsavoury words on the striker.

“I would say Alex was very much part of that [our success] and loved his time here, so I don’t think that was the issue [that he was not happy here]. I think the issue for him was more when ‘the other club’ came there, that then changed his thought process.”

Isak’s departure from Newcastle United to Liverpool will create more confusion, with Eddie Howe refusing to mention Liverpool’s name.