ReactionHugo Ekitike: We showed our mentality - and I want to do even more
Hugo Ekitike hailed Liverpool’s mentality on the opening night after they dramatically saw off AFC Bournemouth 4-2 at Anfield.
The summer signing had put the reigning Premier League champions ahead before the break on Friday with a cool, close-range finish – his first home goal for the club.
Ekitike then teed up Cody Gakpo to double the lead, though it was wiped out by a pair of Antoine Semenyo finishes for the visitors.
A rousing finale ensued, however, and Arne Slot’s team secured three points to begin their title defence courtesy of Kop-end strikes by Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah.
Post-match, Ekitike gave his reaction to the evening to Sky Sports. Read a summary below…
On how pleased he was with his Premier League debut…
Obviously I think it was a good performance. I could do better. But the most important [thing] tonight is the win and the mentality we showed. We wanted to win for the people who came tonight and for Diogo, and I think that’s what we did so I’m happy for everybody.
On the areas he’s working on to improve…
I have so many things to do better to help the team as [much] as I can. I can do a lot of things and I think I would get better and do even more for this team.
On what Slot has asked him to do and if it’s natural for him to drop deeper at times…
Yeah, I think it’s natural. I also changed my way to play here because I think it’s also different football, with more intensity. The defenders are stronger and we have tight space here. I had so much more space in Germany. That’s why I try to come, link and go, try to run behind. But we have to find the way to succeed with the details, because it’s not [enough to be] ‘good’ anymore and we just have to get better.
On his goal…
I attracted the defender, I came to link up and I was a bit lucky with the touch, the ball came back to me. At the end it’s an easy goal but I have to stay calm in front of the goal and just do my job, so keep going.
On being involved in Liverpool’s build-up play, including the assist for Gakpo’s goal…
I try to think before the defenders and to read the game. To know what the other players around me are going to do. I knew the defenders like to come and press me so I know at my back or on the side I will have space. I just attracted him and I knew Cody will be there. It’s special, he’s really good when he comes inside with his right foot. I went and it made a difference so I’m happy for him.
On his first impressions of the Premier League…
It’s a dream. I always dreamed to play here in the Premier League so I just enjoy every minute. It’s an amazing stadium. The fans at the end when it was at 2-2, they pushed so much. Even on the bench, I enjoyed it. I wanted to be in the crowd! It’s just amazing. But it’s the first game, we have so much to do to get better and to reach our goals.