Cody Gakpo says Liverpool are determined to deliver a statement performance when they begin their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday night.
The Dutch-Togolese forward believes the Reds’ pre-season work has set the stage for a strong start, despite a disappointing result in their final warm-up match.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Gakpo said: “I think everybody is eager to start. We had a good pre-season overall, obviously the last game was unfortunate. But I think overall the pre-season was good.
“We got new signings who integrated well. I think everybody wants to get it going and luckily we can start tomorrow.”
Liverpool prepared for the campaign with matches in Asia and at home, and Gakpo insists the squad’s collective effort will pay off.
“We worked very hard as a team, in Asia and here as well. Hopefully that results in that we can hit the ground running. Now it starts and hopefully we can show the world that we are here again,” he added.
On the challenge Bournemouth pose, Gakpo made it clear Liverpool will not take their opponents lightly.
“I always think with the first game of the season you want to start the season well, so maybe a little bit more adrenaline than normal,” he said.
“They are very intense, they are very good, they have very good players as well with the ball. We have to be intense as well – what we showed last season in a lot of games.
“And we have to be better on the ball – I think we can create a lot. So, that’s what we have to do and try to get the goals as quick as possible and try to not concede.”
Liverpool’s title defence begins under the Anfield lights, with Gakpo eager to set the tone for the season ahead.
