InterviewCody Gakpo on West Ham target, improvement and positions
The Dutchman was unavailable for the Reds’ midweek Merseyside derby defeat at Everton, as he and his partner awaited the birth of their first child, Samuel.
Ahead of the team’s trip to the London Stadium, Jürgen Klopp confirmed Gakpo is in contention to feature again, though – and in a preview to the clash, he spoke of the determination to return from the capital with a victory.
“It is going to be a tough game,” Gakpo told Liverpoolfc.com. “I saw some games of them this year. [They have] really good players and they play really good football as well.
“We have to be ready and focused and go there with a lot of confidence. We have to go there for the three points.
“They play at home, they want to give their fans a good game, and we are there to go there and steal some points, get the win and come back home.”
Gakpo has scored 14 goals and provided five assists so far in his first full season at Anfield since moving to Merseyside from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
After the No.18 marked his last appearance with an influential display in the 3-1 win at Fulham, the manager noted, ‘He is now fully back [to form] since three or four games’.
“I am feeling good,” said Gakpo himself. “But I know I can do more, do better. I am always looking to improve.
“It is quite intense [at Liverpool], more intense than I was used to playing. But I really like it. The club is amazing, the fans are amazing. The group gave me a really warm welcome from the beginning, so the adaptation went really smoothly, in my opinion.
“Thanks to all the guys and the staff as well. Everybody was amazing and helped me a lot.”
Gakpo has quickly racked up 75 appearances for the Reds, featuring in a number of different positions across Klopp’s midfield and forward line.
“Obviously it’s a positive that the manager thinks I can play in a lot of positions,” he added. “But I think that for every player it is good to have something to hold onto, so one or two positions.
“But yes, it’s a compliment that the manager thinks that. I think it’s a strength.”