“I Can’t Wait” – Cody Gakpo Previews Liverpool’s FA Community Shield Clash with Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Liverpool and Cody Gakpo Eager for Crystal Palace Challenge in Community Shield

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has shared his excitement ahead of the Reds’ clash with Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield, as Arne Slot’s side look to start the 2025-26 season with silverware at Wembley.

The Premier League champions meet last season’s FA Cup winners on Sunday at 3pm BST, in what will be Liverpool’s first appearance in the fixture since overcoming Manchester City in 2022. The match offers an early test for Slot’s squad, with both sides aiming to build momentum for the campaign ahead.

Gakpo Reflects on Pre-Season Progress

The Dutch international was full of praise for Liverpool’s summer preparations.“I think it was a good pre-season from the team. I think we worked very hard and enjoyed some good games as well. I think everybody is eager to start now this upcoming weekend. I can’t wait.”

Liverpool’s pre-season schedule has seen high-intensity sessions and strong performances, leaving the squad hungry to return to competitive action. Gakpo believes the work done behind the scenes has set the tone for a strong start.

Photo: IMAGO

New Faces Settling Quickly at Liverpool

With several new arrivals this summer, Gakpo spoke about how the fresh additions have integrated into the group.“I think we have a good group in general. That makes it maybe a little bit easier to adapt for new players to come in. I think a lot of the players knew each other maybe from playing against each other in the national team or things like this. For example, Jeremie [Frimpong] and Flo [Florian Wirtz] came from the same club. That’s also easy. Jeremie plays with the Dutch boys in the national team and others [have] those kinds of things too. I think they adapted well and quick, hopefully they feel at home as well. It’s good.”

The warm welcome from the dressing room has helped new signings make an immediate impact, with some already tasting the Anfield atmosphere against Athletic Club.

Wembley Opportunity to Set the Tone

Gakpo knows the value of starting a season with a trophy.“Obviously we’re going to play the Community Shield. It’s going to be an important game for us to start the season well and that’s what we’re here for. We’re going to give it our best shot. Hopefully we come back with the Community Shield.”

Victory at Wembley would give Liverpool a psychological boost heading into their Premier League title defence. Gakpo added, “I think if we can play a good game and [produce] a good performance and get the trophy back home then we have good momentum for the rest of the beginning of the season. To begin well is always very important.”

Crystal Palace Ready to Provide Stern Test

The forward is under no illusions about the challenge posed by Palace.“It’s obviously a very good side. I think they proved that last season as well against us but also against other teams. They didn’t win the FA Cup without quality, so that means they have a lot of quality and a lot of good players. They deserved to win that trophy. It’s going to be a tough game with some good players on their side and good players on our side. Hopefully [it ends] with us [getting] the win.”

As Liverpool prepare for another season under Slot, Sunday’s match represents more than just a trophy. It is a chance to make a statement, ignite the campaign and show once again why this team has its eyes firmly set on more success.