Cody Gakpo opens up on areas to improve at Liverpool - ‘I don’t have the best relationships yet’

ByNigel Chiu

Updated 12/02/2023 at 12:06 GMT

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo has opened up on his first month and a half at Liverpool, which has seen the Reds go through a disappointing run of form to drop to 10th in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s side take on Everton at Anfield in the Merseyside derby on Monday, where Gakpo will hope to make his first goal contribution since joining Liverpool at the start of 2023.

Cody Gakpo admitted he doesn’t have the best relationships on the pitch with his Liverpool team-mates, as he opened up on his own struggles since joining the club.

There was a lot of excitement at Liverpool about the signing of Gakpo, but he has not contributed to any goals in the six games he has played.

Jurgen Klopp’s side, who face Everton in the Merseyside derby on Monday, have won just one of their last seven games.

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“I think everybody knows we are a little bit struggling in every area so it is more difficult for a new player to come in,” Gakpo told the Daily Mail. “But that doesn't stop me from trying to improve. I can do a lot more.

“For me, I see every difficulty as a possibility. I realise you don't have all the time in the world so it's up to me to perform and figure it out as quickly as possible, even though I might not have the best relationships yet.”

At the 2022 World Cup, Gakpo starred for Netherlands, scoring three goals in five games before the Dutch were dramatically beaten by Argentina on penalties.

Cody Gakpo and Virgil Van Dijk

Image credit: Getty Images

Current Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has questioned whether Gakpo joined Liverpool too early.

In response, Gakpo said: “When I got the opportunity to come to a massive club like this, I don't wait for five years more!. I see it more as a challenge.

“It's my first transfer and of course I have to adapt. I might make certain movements on the pitch that the other players don't know.

“For example, what Thiago does when he gets the ball, maybe I have to move a little bit differently. It's just learning about each other and getting better.”

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Gakpo had scored nine goals and made 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie matches for PSV Eindhoven this season before joining Liverpool.

It’s a contrast to his current performances at Liverpool, which the 23-year-old revealed has affected him.

“I’m an attacking player so I like to score goals and give assists,” he added.

“When you don't, anyone would be lying if they said it didn't affect them.

“You are judged on that so it's something I need to get back as quickly as possible.

“It would be amazing to come into a team that won every game but I don't think it's bad to come into this situation. During times like this you improve things you don't know about yourself.

“We know we have to improve and start winning. We have so much quality but we all have to step up as a team.”

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