Club won the Premier League but in Europe their fortunes weren’t as bright
Cody Gakpo says Liverpool must target the Champions League this season, following their Premier League triumph under Arne Slot.
The Dutch forward was a standout performer in Slot’s squad last season, registering 18 goals and six assists in all competitions. Only Mohamed Salah contributed more to Liverpool’s attack, with the club reclaiming the league title for the first time since 2020.
Gakpo also shined in the decisive 5-1 win over Tottenham in April that sealed the league, scoring the third goal on what he described as a “special and emotional day”.
“I thought this day just couldn’t go wrong,” Gakpo said. “So, even when Tottenham scored, I think nobody on the pitch had a worried feeling or anything, because we knew we were going to seal the deal that day.”
However, in Europe the club’s fortunes weren’t as bright. Despite topping the league phase in last season’s revamped Champions League format, Liverpool exited the competition in the last 16 on penalties to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. The elimination was the first time the club had been knocked out of a European knockout tie after winning the first leg away from home.
“It was a strange feeling, being proud of what we achieved but still frustrated,” Gakpo said. “It left us with hunger. We want to go again, and this time go further.”
Liverpool have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi, Freddie Woodman and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in a spend approaching £300m.
