He has changed my life - Liverpool star credits Arne Slot for transformation
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Cody Gakpo has credited Arne Slot for improved Liverpool form (Credit: Imago)

He has changed my life - Liverpool star credits Arne Slot for transformation

Seye Omidiora 14:26 - 29.01.2025

A Liverpool player has revealed the secret to his upswing under Slot after average form when Jurgen Klopp was manager.

Cody Gakpo is enjoying a resurgence in form at Liverpool, and he credits manager Arne Slot for helping him unlock his potential.

The Dutch forward has been in scintillating form recently, scoring 12 goals in his last 19 appearances.

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What Gakpo said about Slot

Gakpo, 25, believes that a change of position has been key to his improved performances. 

The Dutchman is now playing on the left wing, which he feels is his best position. 

He also praised Slot's tactical approach, which he believes gives the players more clarity and freedom on the pitch.

Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has praised Arne Slot for Liverpool upswing (Credit: Imago)

"Obviously now I play on the left side, so I think that’s, for me, personally, the biggest change to my advantage. That’s what suits me the best, and I think that’s where I’m at my best," Gakpo told TNT Sports via Eurosport.

"I went to Liverpool, I played a lot as a central striker, which was new to me. So I had to adapt to being in a new position and also being in a new team, so at times, it was tricky.

"But yeah, I’m very happy that I’m back on the left now and I think that’s the biggest change that the manager did for me.”

Furthermore, Gakpo is confident that Liverpool can achieve "something special" this season. 

Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has been in outstanding form for Liverpool in the 2024-25 season (Credit: Imago)

The 25-year-old, who compared Jurgen Klopp’s approach with Slot’s style, feels that the team has a strong bond and is determined to succeed. 

"In terms of playing style with the two managers," said Gakpo. "I think now we are a little bit more focused on ball possession, trying to keep the ball in bigger phases of the game and really trying to create clear chances. I think the defensive part with the intensity is still similar.

"I think we look differently at each other. I think you can see in everybody’s eyes that we feel that there’s something that we can achieve together.

"And I think also the way that it’s going with a lot of hard work, but also that everybody is knowing exactly what he has to do at the right moments and when things fall into place, then you can really feel the chemistry together and that we are really fighting for something special together.

"Hopefully, it can remain [like this] until the end of the season."

Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has credited Arne Slot for improved Liverpool form (Credit: Imago)

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League and will be hoping to maintain their impressive form in the second half of the season.

What next for Liverpool?

Liverpool close out their Champions League league phase with a visit to Gakpo’s former club, PSV, before returning to Premier League action against Bournemouth on Saturday.