Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo believes the team are determined to continue their improvement to prove they have turned a corner.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, the Reds’ January signing reflected on recent positive results.
Gakpo said: “It’s difficult to put a finger on what’s really changed. The group is really good, and we are trying to stay together in difficult moments.
“That’s one of the strengths of this team. [To] keep working hard and improving. When it’s difficult, then a real team is showing up.”
Gakpo said back-to-back wins have helped restore belief in the dressing room, and the squad wants to keep their momentum going into their Round of 16 tie.
“When you are a footballer you want to win games. When you start winning games there will be a different atmosphere.
“The games we won we played a better game than the games before, the result is the outcome of more intensity.
“We are really confident, working hard, trying to improve and keep winning games. Now we have this competition to show that we are back on track.”
The Dutch attacker has only appeared in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League and is looking forward to potentially making his knockout round debut against the competition’s record winners.
“[I’m] really looking forward to it. This is one of the biggest competitions in Europe and the world.
“[It’s a] dream for every football player to play in this competition. For me to have opportunity is a great one.
“It’s a knockout phase so there’s a lot at stake, we want to prove and show we are a good team. We have to perform and try to win this game.”
Gakpo is beginning to show signs of settling at his new side after scoring his first two goals since joining from PSV Eindhoven.
He praised the role of his teammates in helping his adaptation to English football.
“A new environment, league, country. Personally it’s a lot to adapt to.
“[But] my teammates are amazing, from day one they helped settle as quick as possible.
“Everybody is nice to me and trying to help in every way they can.”
(Image: Alamy, under agreed licence)
