Gakpo Reflects on Team Struggles and Commitment to Improvement

The English champions’ defense of their title has significantly faltered this season, primarily due to defensive weaknesses and the challenges of adapting to Arne Slot’s system. This has been exacerbated by key player departures and injuries. Cody Gakpo’s performance has mirrored the team’s inconsistency, contributing three goals and two assists in 12 appearances. While his goal contributions per 90 minutes are commendable, he has faced criticism alongside the club’s new signings, as the team has suffered eight losses in their first eleven games across all competitions. Gakpo has openly expressed feelings of “embarrassment” after several defeats and has engaged in candid discussions with teammates, underscoring the need for collective responsibility to enhance on-field performance.

After a recent 3-0 home loss, Gakpo stated, “It was a kind of embarrassment as we lost 3-0 at home in front of our own fans. We know they are here to help us in every tough situation, but we must reciprocate their support. In the days following that match, we aimed to communicate openly and honestly about how we can perform better on the pitch.”

He continued, “We understand that we must remain united to achieve good performances and secure wins. Everyone is aware of their responsibility, both on and off the pitch. This conversation was more of an informal dialogue among teammates rather than a formal meeting, but it has highlighted the importance of accountability. We are forthright with each other because otherwise, discussions lose their value.”

Gakpo noted, “There have been instances where we’ve managed to equalize, only to lose in the final moments against teams like Palace, Chelsea, and United. We’ve demonstrated our ability to fight back, but we have struggled to maintain that momentum. Our focus needs to be on preventing conceding goals and increasing our scoring. While I wouldn’t say it weighs heavily on my mind, it does have an impact after it happens a few times. That’s precisely why we train—to turn these situations around.”

Previously, Gakpo enjoyed a successful career at his boyhood club PSV, where he emerged as a standout academy graduate. Making his first-team debut in February 2018, he became a pivotal figure, primarily playing as a left-winger or forward. Over 159 appearances for the senior team, he scored 55 goals across all competitions, with his standout season being 2021-22, where he netted 21 goals in 47 games and was honored as the Dutch Footballer of the Year. He also garnered several trophies, including the Eredivisie title in 2017-18 and two KNVB Cups.

Ahead of the Champions League clash at Anfield, Gakpo mentioned that he maintains contact with some of his former teammates, stating, “From time to time, I speak with someone from the team. We chat about how things are going, but not specifically about the match against Liverpool.”

Liverpool is set to face West Ham on Sunday for a critical Premier League match at the London Stadium, with both teams grappling with poor form and increasing injury woes. The Hammers, currently positioned 17th in the table, are eager to exploit the Reds’ recent slump, who sit in 12th place. Despite their current struggles, Slot’s side has historical advantage against West Ham, having won 86 of their 153 encounters, and they are still regarded as favorites.