Klopp discusses Nunez’s advancement, Gakpo’s position, and Luton

In order for Liverpool to build on a successful start to 2023–24, Jürgen Klopp stressed the significance of realizing every player’s potential.

The Reds’ victory in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday against AFC Bournemouth marked their fourth straight victory, continuing their very successful start to the season.

Klopp’s team’s next assignment is to return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they go to Luton Town.

The manager spoke at a pre-game news conference before the game, going over topics like Darwin Nunez’s advancement, Cody Gakpo’s flexibility, and the team’s ongoing need for improvement.

I had heard about it but hadn’t yet seen it. I’ve been here for eight years, and to be honest, I [look forward to] seeing some of the grounds that I haven’t gone to before. Although I think it’s fantastic that you’re smiling, we still need to find a way into the dressing room, which I’ve heard isn’t that big. But when we change, there will be a football game. All I need is a pitch, an opponent, and our presence. I’m not sure how many of our supporters will be able to attend, but they will definitely grab all of the tickets that are offered. I’m quite excited about it because I think the plot is fantastic and it’s thrilling. Though I’m not entirely sure, I don’t believe anyone

Regarding Liverpool’s strategy to oppose Luton…

It’s a football game; we can’t make it otherwise. Prior to a game, it’s critical to learn as much as you can about his thoughts, their perspective, and other such details. However, it comes to an end at a certain point and you have to play a football game, which requires you to perform certain tasks. We have to cope with the likelihood that we will encounter a low block. We need to make sure we are prepared for the possibility that we will encounter set-pieces of a high caliber. All these disparate elements. Although Luton is a new team, we have previously faced teams who have that style of play.

That is not at all problematic. Each boy is intelligent. The fact that our players are intelligent and aware that they can’t play every game is a plus. “I want to play Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday” is not what it says. That’s simply not feasible, but everyone else sees it that way as well. Our guys think as smart football players should, too: “If I can’t play, it’s better we have another really, really, really good player who can play the position.” I see it just that way. You now see it. We are only there to be a part of the scenario with Luis [Diaz] and are waiting; we cannot and will not push the issue.

Regarding Gakpo’s evolving roles within the team…

Above. You’re right—since Cody is here, he did play a couple positions. At the beginning of the season, he assumed a midfield role. Cody wasn’t supposed to be there if everyone was available; we simply knew he could play there, which is definitely the case. However, with the false nine of the previous year and all these other things, it was something fresh for him once more—always new situations. But because he’s such a cunning player, he can adjust to it. However, we need him to adjust. After that, he must perform at the highest level right away, which made playing midfield a little challenging.

Naturally not, but things are very different now. His first year was challenging, and it was difficult for me too because, although I am a manager and can obviously aid a player, I need to make contact in order to do so. You see this amazing skill, this enormous potential, but it was hard to unfurl it. Speaking with the player frequently helps expedite the process; but, since I don’t know Spanish and he doesn’t speak English, I was unable to do so. My Spanish is still not up to par, but his is now much better! However, now that he is a member of the team, everything is different and he is having a great time when you see him around the office. It’s merely the beginning.