Cody Gakpo, Arne Slot Defend Transfer Decision
- Liverpool is facing a downturn in form, and forward Cody Gakpo has become a target of fan frustration.
- The team has only secured 6 wins in thier last 13 matches.
- Ekitike had been a key player for Liverpool, and the team enjoyed a four-match winning streak in December 2025 while gakpo was sidelined wiht an injury.
Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Defends cody Gakpo Amid Fan Criticism
Liverpool is facing a downturn in form, and forward Cody Gakpo has become a target of fan frustration. Manager Arne Slot is defending his decision to start Gakpo, despite recent struggles.
The team has only secured 6 wins in thier last 13 matches. Most recently, Liverpool fell 3-2 to Bournemouth last weekend, prompting questions about Slot’s lineup choices, especially his decision to start Gakpo over Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike had been a key player for Liverpool, and the team enjoyed a four-match winning streak in December 2025 while gakpo was sidelined wiht an injury.
Liverpool’s winning form stalled upon Gakpo’s return in early January 2026. Four Premier League matches with Gakpo in the starting lineup resulted in three draws and one loss.
Some fans have accused Slot of favoritism,suggesting he’s prioritizing a fellow Dutchman. However, Slot explained his reasoning is based on squad management and player fitness.
ðŸ-£ï¸ Arne Slot knows there’s a negativity towards Cody Gakpo :
“Fans wouldn’t have complained if I had Alexander Isak to start and rest hugo.” pic.twitter.com/dvxlsV0hV5
– Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) January 27, 2026
“It’s very challenging, especially with the long-term injury problems we have,” Slot said, according to the Daily Mail.”If I had Alexander Isak to start and give Hugo [Ekitike] a rest, no fans would complain. Now I have to adjust the system or put players in diffrent positions.”
Gakpo has scored 7 goals in 29 appearances for Liverpool this season, ranking third on the team behind Hugo Ekitike (12 goals) and Dominik szoboszlai (8 goals).
Liverpool’s Results without Cody gakpo
- December 10, 2025: Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool (Champions League)
- December 13, 2025: Liverpool 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
- December 21, 2025: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool
- December 27, 2025: Liverpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Liverpool’s Results With Cody Gakpo as a Starter
- January 4, 2026: Fulham 2-2 Liverpool*
- January 9, 2026: Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
- January 13, 2026: Liverpool 4-1 Barnsley (FA Cup)
- January 17, 2026: Burnley 1-1 Liverpool
- January 22, 2026: Marseille 0-3 Liverpool* (Champions League)
- January 25, 2026: Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool
*Cody Gakpo scored in these matches.
(bay/yna)