Cody Gakpo is hoping to play a big part in Liverpool’s success next season after an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool celebrates his second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield on March 05, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old moved to Anfield in January from PSV Eindhoven and went on to score seven goals and recorded three assists in 26 games for the Reds during the second half of last term.

Trent Alexander-Arnold/Cody Gakpo – IMAGO / PA Images

Gakpo is part of the Liverpool squad currently in Asia to commence the next phase of their preparations with just few weeks to the start of the 2023/24 season. Liverpool will take on Leicester City and Bayern Munich on Sunday and Wednesday respectively while in the Far East.

“Yeah, good – it’s a bit warm, hot outside. But it’s nice, the people are really nice. I like it here, so it’s nice,” the Netherlands forward told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It’s really big and it’s really nice to see, there are fans all over the world. And they are really supportive so we really appreciate it.

“I think we are quite ready. We trained a lot in Germany; tough sessions, good sessions, tactical, everything. So yeah, we are getting there. At the end we have to be ready so we work towards that point and I think everybody is really excited to start the season again.

2M75YW7 Cody Gakpo #18 of Liverpool during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 7th January 2023 (Photo by Steve Flynn/News Images)

“Pre-season is always good to really adapt to the team and to learn the style of play as the manager wants to see. In pre-season you can go into more detail than you can do when you are in mid-season. So it helps a lot.

He added: “It’s going to be a good game, we know Leicester obviously and it’s a good team. For ourselves it’s to check that we are as fit as we want to be and as ready as we are. [There are] some things left to do better and it’s a good match and we’re really looking forward to play.

“I think that’s important that the forwards get a goal as soon as possible. There’s a good atmosphere around everybody, I have to say, and we’re just really focused at the moment to start the season off really well. That’s what we are working for.

“Yeah, I think it’s important to set some goals for yourself and as a team. That’s only to become a better player and do the best for the team.”

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