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Jurgen Klopp was quizzed on Cody Gakpo and his upturn in form since the March international break.

This season, the German has deployed Cody Gakpo in a variety of positions, including left winger within a trio up front, as a false nine, and even in midfield roles.

Approaching the end of his first full season with the team, Gakpo has shown himself to be a valuable acquisition.

While he primarily played as a left winger at PSV, his utilization in midfield and central roles at Liverpool represents a shift from his traditional position.

Despite these changes, the Dutch international has adapted well to these new responsibilities, though he has encountered some difficulties, especially in the more demanding midfield area.

Leading up to the March international break, the 24-year-old was criticized by some sections of the fanbase for his poor performances.

Jamie Carragher even labelled Gakpo as ‘playing in slow motion’ after Liverpool’s exit from the FA Cup at the hands Manchester United on March 17.

However, Jurgen Klopp has leapt to the defence of the former PSV man.

What did Jurgen Klopp say about Cody Gakpo?

Speaking in his pre-Aston Villa press conference, the German manager was quizzed on Gakpo’s excellent performance in the 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend

Klopp defended his player and revealed that he does not ‘go back’ and punish players for past mistakes while also revealing his Gakpo regret:

“A great game, it’s not like I go back and think ‘what did we all do wrong here’.

[January] was a very intense period with lots of injuries, and he played really good.”

“He was probably our best player, left-wing, right-wing, in midfield.

Then everybody came back, and he got a few minutes here and there – then he didn’t start anymore.”

“It’s really nice that he can come on and show a good impact.

Cody knows for a while that he was not in his best moment.”

“We had a conversation in private and it helped him a lot.

“The problem is – can I speak to a player the moment he is not performing to the levels you expect him to do?”

“How can I have an answer for his situation if I don’t understand it?”

“So, you wait for the moment where you can give answers?

From my point of view, maybe it took too long [to speak to Gakpo].”

“After the talk he really stepped up, it’s really good to see how physically strong he is – what a good footballer he is.”

The Dutchman will be hopeful of a spot in the starting line-up against Aston Villa on Monday.

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