InterviewCody Gakpo: We want to show the world we are here again

The Reds take on AFC Bournemouth at Anfield to begin the defence of the Premier League title they clinched last April with four matches to spare.

With new signings through the door and a beneficial pre-season behind the entire squad, Arne Slot's men are keen to put down a marker in matchweek one.

Gakpo told Liverpoolfc.com on Thursday: "I think everybody is eager to start. We had a good pre-season overall, obviously the last game was unfortunate.

"But I think overall the pre-season was good. We got new signings who integrated well. I think everybody wants to get it going and luckily we can start tomorrow.

"We worked very hard as a team, in Asia and here as well. Hopefully that results in that we can hit the ground running.

"I think they [the signings] integrated well. Now it starts and hopefully we can show the world that we are here again."

The 8pm BST kick-off represents Liverpool's first league opener to be played at Anfield since 2020, when a Mohamed Salah hat-trick inspired a 4-3 win over Leeds United.

On this occasion, they will have to overcome an energetic and well-drilled Andoni Iraola side, who finished ninth in the previous campaign.

Gakpo continued: "I always think with the first game of the season you want to start the season well, so maybe a little bit more adrenaline than normal. I think we just want to start well.

"Of course Anfield is amazing. I just miss playing these games in the league. I think everybody is happy that we can go.

"They [Bournemouth] are very intense, they are very good, they have very good players as well with the ball.

"We have to be intense as well – what we showed last season in a lot of games. And we have to be better on the ball – I think we can create a lot.

"So, that's what we have to do and try to get the goals as quick as possible and try to not concede.

"Everybody knows that it's a tough league where nothing comes easy. We have to be on it [for] 95 minutes and try to get the win."

Arne Slot admitted in his pre-match press conference that his team's defensive organisation requires some 'fine-tuning' based on the outings this summer.

Gakpo explained how he and his fellow forwards consider themselves to be the first line of protection.

"It starts with us most of the time," the No.18 said. "When the opponent tries to build up, it starts with us who are pressing.

"If we get that right, maybe it's easier to get them to stay in their half and hopefully recover the ball there.

"But it starts with us and it's a team thing. We have to do it together."