Jurgen Klopp brought Cody Gakpo to Liverpool in January 2023.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has disclosed the invaluable lesson he learned from Jurgen Klopp prior to the German’s emotional departure.
Gakpo paid tribute to the 56-year-old following the end of the season, expressing heartfelt sentiments towards the revered coach.
Klopp, who brought Gakpo to Liverpool from PSV in January 2023, witnessed the Dutchman’s rapid integration into the team.
This culminated in their joint triumph in the League Cup back in February, a fitting final accolade for Klopp as Liverpool manager.
Reflecting on Klopp’s legacy, Gakpo emphasized the enduring impact the coach had on both the players and the club.
The Netherlands international also highlighted a significant “gift” from Klopp that significantly aided his career progression.
Gakpo told De Telegraaf: “If you look at the impact he has had on the club, the fans, the players, many of whom have experienced him for much longer than I have these one and a half years: that has been very valuable to everyone.
“The most important thing I learned from him?
“That you don’t have to prove anything to anyone but yourself. When that really hit me?
“That is not a specific moment, but it is a gift that he was able to trigger us as players in a different way every time, to give just an extra percentage or one and a half.
“That was special.”
Gakpo made 53 appearances for Liverpool, scored 16 goals, and provided six assists in all competitions in Klopp’s final season charge of the Reds.
Gakpo, alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, has been officially named as part of the Netherlands’ squad for Euro 2024.
In May, the Liverpool trio were initially listed as part of their nation’s provisional team ahead of the tournament.
Head coach Ronald Koeman has finalized his 26-man squad for the competition, set to kick off in Germany in mid-June, with the inclusion of the three Reds players.
The Netherlands have been placed in Group D for the Euros and is scheduled to face Poland on June 16, France on June 21, and Austria on June 25.
