Cody Gakpo to use “embarrassment” of Forest defeat against PSV

Cody Gakpo has revealed the Liverpool squad have had “honest” discussions after the “embarrassment” of the Nottingham Forest defeat, as the Reds seek to bounce back against PSV Eindhoven, writes Aled James at Anfield.  

Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Forest marked another frustrating low for Arne Slot and his side, extending their run of defeats to six in seven matches. 

Gakpo will face his former club on Wednesday night and is hoping Liverpool can move on from the disappointment of the Forest defeat.  

He said: “After the Forest game, it was an embarrassment to lose 0-3 at home, in front of our fans. We know they are here to help us in every tough situation, but we must give them something back. 

“Everybody is aware that we must take responsibility on and off the pitch, so this was a conversation with teammates. We are aware that we must do better, which starts with being honest with each other as otherwise there is no point in speaking.” 

Gakpo excelled through the ranks at PSV, making 159 appearances for the senior team, scoring 55 goals during this time, before sealing a move to Liverpool in January 2023.  

Naturally, he has an affinity with his boyhood club and is looking forward to facing them. He said: “It always feels special to play against PSV. I grew up there, and so I made a lot of good memories so it’s special to play them.” 

The free-scoring Dutch side will be looking to capitalise on Liverpool’s vulnerabilities, as they hope to build on their 52 goals in 18 matches across all competitions this season.   

It is also the second time Liverpool will face PSV in 12 months, with the Eredivisie side taking all three points with a 3-2 dead rubber win last January.  

However, Liverpool will welcome the opportunity to reset from domestic football. Their last Champions League outing saw Slot’s side secure a crucial 1-0 win over Real Madrid to move within the top eight of the league format, courtesy of a goal from Argentine Alexis Mac Allister.  

Gakpo said: “I don’t know where the solidity has gone since the game against Real Madrid, but we are always trying to get back to that.

“We are in a difficult position, but we must fight through that, and we know we can do it because we showed that in some of our performances already this season.” 

Liverpool will hope they can translate their European form into domestic improvement while strengthening their position in the qualifying places with a fourth win in five games.  

Gakpo said: “It can be difficult to read anything and not be affected by it with social media, but I think when we are together in the dressing room, this is where we can get our confidence. This is where we know where we have to be better, and if we stick together, we will.”