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Interview

Gakpo fired up for Liverpool

The new Anfield striker thinks 'the first blow is half the battle’ as he looks to give his side the edge against Real Madrid in a rematch of last season’s final

Why Liverpool?

When I heard it was an option, I didn’t have any doubts or thoughts about anything else. I was immediately convinced when I heard about a possible move to Liverpool; I had a good feeling about it. Of course, it’s a big club and as far as I’m concerned, it all made sense.

What’s it like adjusting to a new club in January?

Changing clubs halfway through the season is kind of strange. Normally, you’d do a pre-season where you make a new start, but in this case you immediately have to get to work with big games ahead of you. It’s quite exciting when you’re in a new place – you don’t know the people and you have to get used to things – and everyone has been very helpful in making me feel at home. It’s a very warm club and the fans are amazing. It really does feel great to be here.

What’s it like playing alongside players such as Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez?

It’s fantastic, of course. It’s great to try and score goals together. We’re starting to get used to each other more and more every day, so I think we’re going to be alright. We’re getting more and more in sync; that’s just something that takes time.  

You know your own skills very well, of course. What can Liverpool fans expect from you?

My goals and my passing. I can take the game from midfield into attack. I can switch between the lines with the ball and then sprint towards goal. That’s one of my qualities and that’s one of the things that I can give to this club.

Cody Gapko is enjoying life with his new team-mates

Do you have a favourite position?

I’ve been asked that question a lot before. In the past three seasons I’ve mostly played on the left, but during the World Cup I also played more in the middle, as a No10. I think it’s just important that I play. When I play down the middle, I get more chances to move forward with the ball. That’s maybe less the case when I play on the left, but it’s not really a preference that I have. I’m just happy to play.

Now, the Champions League. You’ve played once before in this competition in 2018 with PSV Eindhoven against Tottenham.

Yes, for ten minutes, I think. We drew 2-2. That was a very intense game, as far as I can remember. So I look forward to getting more minutes in the Champions League. 

The next ones will come against champions Real Madrid. What’s it like in the tunnel ahead of a big game like that?

In moments like that, as a team we’re only focused on winning the game and doing our best. We’ll be aware of what’s going on but we just shut ourselves off from that somehow. For us, it’s a good opportunity to show that we’re a top team. Everyone is eager to show that we want to win this match.

How important is the first of those two matches? You’ll be playing at home.

As they say in the Netherlands, the first blow is half the battle. Madrid have a very experienced, mature team and lots of individual quality, especially up front with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Júnior, and in midfield with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. All of them are very good players. I think it could be a great game. 

What does it mean to you to play in the Champions League?

It’s the biggest competition in Europe. It’s a childhood dream, especially with Liverpool. I’m really looking forward to it.

Why Liverpool?

When I heard it was an option, I didn’t have any doubts or thoughts about anything else. I was immediately convinced when I heard about a possible move to Liverpool; I had a good feeling about it. Of course, it’s a big club and as far as I’m concerned, it all made sense.

What’s it like adjusting to a new club in January?

Changing clubs halfway through the season is kind of strange. Normally, you’d do a pre-season where you make a new start, but in this case you immediately have to get to work with big games ahead of you. It’s quite exciting when you’re in a new place – you don’t know the people and you have to get used to things – and everyone has been very helpful in making me feel at home. It’s a very warm club and the fans are amazing. It really does feel great to be here.

What’s it like playing alongside players such as Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez?

It’s fantastic, of course. It’s great to try and score goals together. We’re starting to get used to each other more and more every day, so I think we’re going to be alright. We’re getting more and more in sync; that’s just something that takes time.  

You know your own skills very well, of course. What can Liverpool fans expect from you?

My goals and my passing. I can take the game from midfield into attack. I can switch between the lines with the ball and then sprint towards goal. That’s one of my qualities and that’s one of the things that I can give to this club.

Cody Gapko is enjoying life with his new team-mates

Do you have a favourite position?

I’ve been asked that question a lot before. In the past three seasons I’ve mostly played on the left, but during the World Cup I also played more in the middle, as a No10. I think it’s just important that I play. When I play down the middle, I get more chances to move forward with the ball. That’s maybe less the case when I play on the left, but it’s not really a preference that I have. I’m just happy to play.

Now, the Champions League. You’ve played once before in this competition in 2018 with PSV Eindhoven against Tottenham.

Yes, for ten minutes, I think. We drew 2-2. That was a very intense game, as far as I can remember. So I look forward to getting more minutes in the Champions League. 

The next ones will come against champions Real Madrid. What’s it like in the tunnel ahead of a big game like that?

In moments like that, as a team we’re only focused on winning the game and doing our best. We’ll be aware of what’s going on but we just shut ourselves off from that somehow. For us, it’s a good opportunity to show that we’re a top team. Everyone is eager to show that we want to win this match.

How important is the first of those two matches? You’ll be playing at home.

As they say in the Netherlands, the first blow is half the battle. Madrid have a very experienced, mature team and lots of individual quality, especially up front with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Júnior, and in midfield with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. All of them are very good players. I think it could be a great game. 

What does it mean to you to play in the Champions League?

It’s the biggest competition in Europe. It’s a childhood dream, especially with Liverpool. I’m really looking forward to it.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

Why Liverpool?

When I heard it was an option, I didn’t have any doubts or thoughts about anything else. I was immediately convinced when I heard about a possible move to Liverpool; I had a good feeling about it. Of course, it’s a big club and as far as I’m concerned, it all made sense.

What’s it like adjusting to a new club in January?

Changing clubs halfway through the season is kind of strange. Normally, you’d do a pre-season where you make a new start, but in this case you immediately have to get to work with big games ahead of you. It’s quite exciting when you’re in a new place – you don’t know the people and you have to get used to things – and everyone has been very helpful in making me feel at home. It’s a very warm club and the fans are amazing. It really does feel great to be here.

What’s it like playing alongside players such as Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez?

It’s fantastic, of course. It’s great to try and score goals together. We’re starting to get used to each other more and more every day, so I think we’re going to be alright. We’re getting more and more in sync; that’s just something that takes time.  

You know your own skills very well, of course. What can Liverpool fans expect from you?

My goals and my passing. I can take the game from midfield into attack. I can switch between the lines with the ball and then sprint towards goal. That’s one of my qualities and that’s one of the things that I can give to this club.

Cody Gapko is enjoying life with his new team-mates

Do you have a favourite position?

I’ve been asked that question a lot before. In the past three seasons I’ve mostly played on the left, but during the World Cup I also played more in the middle, as a No10. I think it’s just important that I play. When I play down the middle, I get more chances to move forward with the ball. That’s maybe less the case when I play on the left, but it’s not really a preference that I have. I’m just happy to play.

Now, the Champions League. You’ve played once before in this competition in 2018 with PSV Eindhoven against Tottenham.

Yes, for ten minutes, I think. We drew 2-2. That was a very intense game, as far as I can remember. So I look forward to getting more minutes in the Champions League. 

The next ones will come against champions Real Madrid. What’s it like in the tunnel ahead of a big game like that?

In moments like that, as a team we’re only focused on winning the game and doing our best. We’ll be aware of what’s going on but we just shut ourselves off from that somehow. For us, it’s a good opportunity to show that we’re a top team. Everyone is eager to show that we want to win this match.

How important is the first of those two matches? You’ll be playing at home.

As they say in the Netherlands, the first blow is half the battle. Madrid have a very experienced, mature team and lots of individual quality, especially up front with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Júnior, and in midfield with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. All of them are very good players. I think it could be a great game. 

What does it mean to you to play in the Champions League?

It’s the biggest competition in Europe. It’s a childhood dream, especially with Liverpool. I’m really looking forward to it.

Gakpo fired up for Liverpool
Interview

Gakpo fired up for Liverpool

The new Anfield striker thinks 'the first blow is half the battle’ as he looks to give his side the edge against Real Madrid in a rematch of last season’s final

Why Liverpool?

When I heard it was an option, I didn’t have any doubts or thoughts about anything else. I was immediately convinced when I heard about a possible move to Liverpool; I had a good feeling about it. Of course, it’s a big club and as far as I’m concerned, it all made sense.

What’s it like adjusting to a new club in January?

Changing clubs halfway through the season is kind of strange. Normally, you’d do a pre-season where you make a new start, but in this case you immediately have to get to work with big games ahead of you. It’s quite exciting when you’re in a new place – you don’t know the people and you have to get used to things – and everyone has been very helpful in making me feel at home. It’s a very warm club and the fans are amazing. It really does feel great to be here.

What’s it like playing alongside players such as Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez?

It’s fantastic, of course. It’s great to try and score goals together. We’re starting to get used to each other more and more every day, so I think we’re going to be alright. We’re getting more and more in sync; that’s just something that takes time.  

You know your own skills very well, of course. What can Liverpool fans expect from you?

My goals and my passing. I can take the game from midfield into attack. I can switch between the lines with the ball and then sprint towards goal. That’s one of my qualities and that’s one of the things that I can give to this club.

Cody Gapko is enjoying life with his new team-mates

Do you have a favourite position?

I’ve been asked that question a lot before. In the past three seasons I’ve mostly played on the left, but during the World Cup I also played more in the middle, as a No10. I think it’s just important that I play. When I play down the middle, I get more chances to move forward with the ball. That’s maybe less the case when I play on the left, but it’s not really a preference that I have. I’m just happy to play.

Now, the Champions League. You’ve played once before in this competition in 2018 with PSV Eindhoven against Tottenham.

Yes, for ten minutes, I think. We drew 2-2. That was a very intense game, as far as I can remember. So I look forward to getting more minutes in the Champions League. 

The next ones will come against champions Real Madrid. What’s it like in the tunnel ahead of a big game like that?

In moments like that, as a team we’re only focused on winning the game and doing our best. We’ll be aware of what’s going on but we just shut ourselves off from that somehow. For us, it’s a good opportunity to show that we’re a top team. Everyone is eager to show that we want to win this match.

How important is the first of those two matches? You’ll be playing at home.

As they say in the Netherlands, the first blow is half the battle. Madrid have a very experienced, mature team and lots of individual quality, especially up front with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Júnior, and in midfield with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. All of them are very good players. I think it could be a great game. 

What does it mean to you to play in the Champions League?

It’s the biggest competition in Europe. It’s a childhood dream, especially with Liverpool. I’m really looking forward to it.

Penalty Pedigree

Etiam erat velit scelerisque in dictum non. Dictum non consectetur a erat nam at. Scelerisque felis imperdiet proin fermentum leo. Nibh tortor id aliquet lectus proin nibh nisl. Nulla at volutpat diam ut venenatis. At urna condimentum mattis pellentesque id nibh tortor id aliquet. Leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id eu nisl nunc mi. Dui vivamus arcu felis bibendum ut. Pharetra convallis posuere morbi leo urna molestie. Adipiscing at in tellus integer feugiat scelerisque. In arcu cursus euismod quis. Dictum non consectetur a erat nam at lectus urna duis. Facilisi nullam vehicula ipsum a arcu cursus. At tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus vestibulum sed arcu non. Ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit pellentesque habitant. Vitae sapien pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus. Eget nullam non nisi est sit amet facilisis. Ipsum consequat nisl vel pretium lectus quam. Elit sed vulputate mi sit amet mauris commodo quis. Pretium fusce id velit ut tortor pretium viverra suspendisse potenti.

Why Liverpool?

When I heard it was an option, I didn’t have any doubts or thoughts about anything else. I was immediately convinced when I heard about a possible move to Liverpool; I had a good feeling about it. Of course, it’s a big club and as far as I’m concerned, it all made sense.

What’s it like adjusting to a new club in January?

Changing clubs halfway through the season is kind of strange. Normally, you’d do a pre-season where you make a new start, but in this case you immediately have to get to work with big games ahead of you. It’s quite exciting when you’re in a new place – you don’t know the people and you have to get used to things – and everyone has been very helpful in making me feel at home. It’s a very warm club and the fans are amazing. It really does feel great to be here.

What’s it like playing alongside players such as Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez?

It’s fantastic, of course. It’s great to try and score goals together. We’re starting to get used to each other more and more every day, so I think we’re going to be alright. We’re getting more and more in sync; that’s just something that takes time.  

You know your own skills very well, of course. What can Liverpool fans expect from you?

My goals and my passing. I can take the game from midfield into attack. I can switch between the lines with the ball and then sprint towards goal. That’s one of my qualities and that’s one of the things that I can give to this club.

Cody Gapko is enjoying life with his new team-mates

Do you have a favourite position?

I’ve been asked that question a lot before. In the past three seasons I’ve mostly played on the left, but during the World Cup I also played more in the middle, as a No10. I think it’s just important that I play. When I play down the middle, I get more chances to move forward with the ball. That’s maybe less the case when I play on the left, but it’s not really a preference that I have. I’m just happy to play.

Now, the Champions League. You’ve played once before in this competition in 2018 with PSV Eindhoven against Tottenham.

Yes, for ten minutes, I think. We drew 2-2. That was a very intense game, as far as I can remember. So I look forward to getting more minutes in the Champions League. 

The next ones will come against champions Real Madrid. What’s it like in the tunnel ahead of a big game like that?

In moments like that, as a team we’re only focused on winning the game and doing our best. We’ll be aware of what’s going on but we just shut ourselves off from that somehow. For us, it’s a good opportunity to show that we’re a top team. Everyone is eager to show that we want to win this match.

How important is the first of those two matches? You’ll be playing at home.

As they say in the Netherlands, the first blow is half the battle. Madrid have a very experienced, mature team and lots of individual quality, especially up front with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Júnior, and in midfield with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. All of them are very good players. I think it could be a great game. 

What does it mean to you to play in the Champions League?

It’s the biggest competition in Europe. It’s a childhood dream, especially with Liverpool. I’m really looking forward to it.

Read the full story
Sign up now to get access to this and every premium feature on Champions Journal. You will also get access to member-only competitions and offers. And you get all of that completely free!

Why Liverpool?

When I heard it was an option, I didn’t have any doubts or thoughts about anything else. I was immediately convinced when I heard about a possible move to Liverpool; I had a good feeling about it. Of course, it’s a big club and as far as I’m concerned, it all made sense.

What’s it like adjusting to a new club in January?

Changing clubs halfway through the season is kind of strange. Normally, you’d do a pre-season where you make a new start, but in this case you immediately have to get to work with big games ahead of you. It’s quite exciting when you’re in a new place – you don’t know the people and you have to get used to things – and everyone has been very helpful in making me feel at home. It’s a very warm club and the fans are amazing. It really does feel great to be here.

What’s it like playing alongside players such as Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez?

It’s fantastic, of course. It’s great to try and score goals together. We’re starting to get used to each other more and more every day, so I think we’re going to be alright. We’re getting more and more in sync; that’s just something that takes time.  

You know your own skills very well, of course. What can Liverpool fans expect from you?

My goals and my passing. I can take the game from midfield into attack. I can switch between the lines with the ball and then sprint towards goal. That’s one of my qualities and that’s one of the things that I can give to this club.

Cody Gapko is enjoying life with his new team-mates

Do you have a favourite position?

I’ve been asked that question a lot before. In the past three seasons I’ve mostly played on the left, but during the World Cup I also played more in the middle, as a No10. I think it’s just important that I play. When I play down the middle, I get more chances to move forward with the ball. That’s maybe less the case when I play on the left, but it’s not really a preference that I have. I’m just happy to play.

Now, the Champions League. You’ve played once before in this competition in 2018 with PSV Eindhoven against Tottenham.

Yes, for ten minutes, I think. We drew 2-2. That was a very intense game, as far as I can remember. So I look forward to getting more minutes in the Champions League. 

The next ones will come against champions Real Madrid. What’s it like in the tunnel ahead of a big game like that?

In moments like that, as a team we’re only focused on winning the game and doing our best. We’ll be aware of what’s going on but we just shut ourselves off from that somehow. For us, it’s a good opportunity to show that we’re a top team. Everyone is eager to show that we want to win this match.

How important is the first of those two matches? You’ll be playing at home.

As they say in the Netherlands, the first blow is half the battle. Madrid have a very experienced, mature team and lots of individual quality, especially up front with Karim Benzema and Vinicius Júnior, and in midfield with Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos. All of them are very good players. I think it could be a great game. 

What does it mean to you to play in the Champions League?

It’s the biggest competition in Europe. It’s a childhood dream, especially with Liverpool. I’m really looking forward to it.

Penalty Pedigree

Etiam erat velit scelerisque in dictum non. Dictum non consectetur a erat nam at. Scelerisque felis imperdiet proin fermentum leo. Nibh tortor id aliquet lectus proin nibh nisl. Nulla at volutpat diam ut venenatis. At urna condimentum mattis pellentesque id nibh tortor id aliquet. Leo a diam sollicitudin tempor id eu nisl nunc mi. Dui vivamus arcu felis bibendum ut. Pharetra convallis posuere morbi leo urna molestie. Adipiscing at in tellus integer feugiat scelerisque. In arcu cursus euismod quis. Dictum non consectetur a erat nam at lectus urna duis. Facilisi nullam vehicula ipsum a arcu cursus. At tempor commodo ullamcorper a lacus vestibulum sed arcu non. Ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit pellentesque habitant. Vitae sapien pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus. Eget nullam non nisi est sit amet facilisis. Ipsum consequat nisl vel pretium lectus quam. Elit sed vulputate mi sit amet mauris commodo quis. Pretium fusce id velit ut tortor pretium viverra suspendisse potenti.

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