“We Have to do it Together” – Cody Gakpo on Liverpool’s Return to Premier League Action | OneFootball

Liverpool Ready to Begin Premier League Defence as Cody Gakpo Sets Ambitious Tone

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has made it clear that the team’s ambition is to show why they are Premier League champions as the 2025-26 campaign kicks off. The Reds open their title defence against AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday night, eager to set the pace from the first whistle.

“I think everybody is eager to start. We had a good pre-season overall, obviously the last game was unfortunate,” Gakpo told Liverpoolfc.com. “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.”

Gakpo’s confidence stems from a productive summer under manager Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to their 20th league title last season. The squad’s pre-season programme in Asia and back on Merseyside has been used to sharpen fitness, strengthen team cohesion and embed the new arrivals into the system.

“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.

Photo: IMAGO

Anfield Occasion Adds to the Anticipation

The match marks Liverpool’s first Premier League opener at Anfield since 2020, when Mohamed Salah struck a hat-trick in a 4-3 victory over Leeds United. Facing Andoni Iraola’s energetic Bournemouth side, who finished ninth last season, the champions know the importance of a fast start.

“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. I think we just want to start well,” Gakpo said. “Of course Anfield is amazing. I just miss playing these games in the league. I think everybody is happy that we can go.”

Intensity and Control Key to Victory

Gakpo has emphasised that Liverpool’s approach must combine aggression without the ball and precision when in possession. “They [Bournemouth] 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.”

The Dutch international underlined the need to take control early. “That’s what we have to do and try to get the goals as quick as possible and try to not concede. Everybody knows that it’s a tough league where nothing comes easy. We have to be on it [for] 95 minutes and try to get the win.”

Forwards Leading the Defensive Effort

Slot has acknowledged that defensive organisation still needs refining after the summer friendlies. Gakpo says the responsibility begins at the top of the pitch. “It starts with us most of the time. When the opponent tries to build up, it starts with us who are pressing. If we get that right, maybe it’s easier to get them to stay in their half and hopefully recover the ball there. But it starts with us and it’s a team thing. We have to do it together.”

Liverpool’s title defence begins with confidence, unity and a clear message from Gakpo: the champions are ready to show their quality again.