Isak was not in the squad as Newcastle lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is focusing on preparing his squad for the start of the new Premier League season, as the situation concerning Alexander Isak is “not in his control”.
With speculation still rife over his future, Isak was not in the squad once again as Newcastle lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid at St James’s Park to end pre-season without a win in the past six.
Howe said: “For me, I’m just trying to manage the situation and manage the team, most importantly manage the group of players that I’m working with day to day, that I love coaching and helping.
“We’re focusing on Aston Villa. Everything else, to a degree, from my perspective is not in my control, so it’s not my focus.”
Isak has not played for the club so far in pre-season. Last month, he told Newcastle he wanted to explore an exit this summer, with Liverpool having expressed an interest in bringing him to Anfield.
Howe has been praised for his man management and has coached Isak at the club for three years. However, he waved away suggestions that he could simply talk to the Swede and get his head back in with Newcastle and the team.
Howe said: “If it was that easy, I’d have done it yesterday.”
