Cody Gakpo had a veiled message for Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions on a momentous day at Anfield. The forward was on target as the Reds hit five against Tottenham to land the domestic honours in emphatic fashion. It marked his ninth league goal of the campaign, having also chipped in with four assists.
It has been Gakpo’s best season at Liverpool following his move to Anfield two years ago. He has mainly been deployed as a central striker by Arne Slot, having been used across the front line during Klopp’s time in charge. Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle against Tottenham, he said that playing in his preferred role has helped him to stay consistent throughout the campaign.
“It sounds cliched but I’m playing in my natural position now, which brings more confidence,” said Gakpo. “The way we play gets me into positions. I’m confident to take on my man or go inside or outside.
“Last year it was very difficult for me to get some real form because I played in so many different positions and couldn’t really adapt to one.”
Gakpo’s comments suggest that he was not entirely satisfied with the way he was handled by Klopp, who signed him from PSV Eindhoven in 2023. He appears to be much happier under Liverpool’s current manager, as shown by his improved form.
Slot, meanwhile, was quick to praise Klopp for giving him the platform to win the Premier League in his debut season. He also followed in the footsteps of his predecessor by singing the German’s name in front of the Anfield crowd.
In an interview with LFCTV, Slot said: “I don’t think I want to say a lot. The only thing now is to send my appreciation to Jurgen Klopp.
“The way we arrived on the bus, everyone was thinking there is no way we were going to lose this game. Conceding first made it difficult, but they always find a way to win.
“Incredibly proud, but not only of the players. Everyone knows what effort they’ve put in over the last few years. Everyone standing here, you [the fans] should give them a wonderful applause as well.”
Slot later told BBC Sport: “I am 99.9 per cent sure that if I pick up my phone there will be a message from Jurgen. So many moments in the season the two of us have had contact.
“I think he showed last season what a wonderful human being he is by introducing me, but what mattered most is the team he left behind that was able to win the trophy.”
