Gakpo was not tempted to seek Klopp talks amid slow Liverpool start

Cody Gakpo was not tempted to knock on Jurgen Klopp’s door to discuss the indifferent start he made to life at Liverpool.

The Netherlands forward enjoyed a fine World Cup where he scored three goals in five appearances to help his country to the quarter-finals in Qatar.

Gakpo had also scored nine goals in 14 Eredivisie appearances this season before making the switch to Anfield in the last transfer window.

However, he failed to score or assist in his first six Reds games, a barren run that coincided with a poor return to domestic action for Liverpool.

Gakpo and Liverpool found some form in the 2-0 derby win over Everton on Monday, though, with the forward scoring the second in that game.

Speaking to Viaplay Netherlands about his slow start, Gakpo said: “Of course, as a striker, you always want to score and give assists. 

“In the end, though, it’s about winning and if that too doesn’t work out, then it’s tough.

“I have to be honest, I don’t really read it [criticism]. I get it of course.

“That’s not so nice for any normal person, but you have to deal with that. I don’t think I get confused by that.

“I think I could have gone to Jurgen Klopp for that, but I didn’t. That was not necessary for me.”

Liverpool will look to make it back-to-back wins when they visit Newcastle United on Saturday.