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'I think': Cody Gakpo says something 'disappointing' happened last night during his return to PSV Eindhoven
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01/30/2025 08:00 AM
Liverpool coasted into the Champions League knockout rounds despite a loss against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.
The Reds were already through to the last-16 before a ball had been kicked in Eindhoven, and left virtually a full starting XI back on Merseyside.
In ordinary circumstances, it’s probable that Cody Gakpo would have been one of those Arne Slot chose to rest on Wednesday.
Gakpo has been in great form recently, marking himself out as Liverpool’s second most prolific attacker. The Reds need him fit and firing.
However, Gakpo is of course a product of the PSV youth academy. At the time he left his boyhood club for Anfield, the 25-year-old was even the Eredivisie champions’ captain.
As a result, Gakpo was always going to take the chance to visit his old club in the Champions League. And after playing 51 minutes and scoring a penalty, the Liverpool man spoke out about his emotional return.
Cody Gakpo ‘disappointed’ after PSV Eindhoven return
When Liverpool were awarded a penalty in the first-half, it was interesting to see who would step up.
Gakpo was of course the most senior attacker on the pitch but he has never taken a spot-kick for Liverpool.
Against his former club, there was perhaps a feeling that he would pass the duty along. But Gakpo scored and did not celebrate.
After the game, the Netherlands international spoke to the Dutch press to explain his decision not to celebrate and also to thank the PSV fans for their reception of him.
“No, I think it was a bit obvious [not to celebrate] and that it was also the right approach with my past here,” he told Ziggo Sport via Voetbal International. “The applause after my substitution was beautiful. I received a lot of love from the fans and I am very grateful for that.”
However, Gakpo did admit to being disappointed with the result from a Liverpool perspective.
“I think for me personally it was of course a special day, something nice to cherish,” he said. “But as a team and as a club you want to win. That is disappointing.”
Gakpo continues Liverpool scoring form
It was always likely that Gakpo was going to get a goal against the club who gave him a professional career.
The No.18 is in top form in front of goal at the moment having scored six times in his previous nine appearances.
Appearances | Goals | Assists | |
Premier League | 22 | 8 | 3 |
Champions League | 7 | 2 | 1 |
FA Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 |
EFL Cup | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Gakpo’s successful penalty was his 15th goal of what is becoming a very productive season.
Ideally, Slot would perhaps have kept his countryman back for this dead rubber game, but the morale boost of returning home and finding the net again is surely of better benefit.
With another tough run of Liverpool fixtures to come, Cody looks ready to step it up again.