Hugo Ekitike has reflected on his first start alongside Alexander Isak for Liverpool after scoring against former club Eintracht Frankfurt
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool speaks to the media in the flash interview after the team's victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool FC at Frankfurt Stadion
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool speaks to the media in the flash interview after the team's victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool FC at Frankfurt Stadion
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Hugo Ekitike has admitted his strike-partnership with Alexander Isak can improve after the pair played together upfront for Liverpool for the first time against Eintracht Frankfurt. The France international equalised for the Reds with a well-taken goal on the counter-attack as Arne Slot’s side came from behind to run out 5-1 winners in Germany.
Further goals from Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai clinched an emphatic win for Liverpool as the reigning Premier League champions bounced back from Sunday’s loss to Manchester United to end a four-game losing run.
Ekitike, who joined the Reds from Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79m back in the summer, impressed against his former employers before being replaced in the 74th minute shortly after Liverpool’s fifth goal.
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However, Isak was taken off at half-time having been denied by goalkeeper Michael Zetterer on more than one occasion, with Slot revealing after the final whistle that the decision to withdraw the Swede was enforced because of a groin injury.
Ekitike now boasts six goals and an assist from his first 12 appearances for the Reds. In contrast, Isak has registered a goal and an assist from eight outings, with his only strike coming in the League Cup third round win over Southampton.
The Sweden international has been left playing catch-up following a disjointed pre-season at former club Newcastle United, as he essentially went on strike to force through an exit. And while he is not yet up to speed, and has now potentially suffered a setback after being forced off against Frankfurt, Ekitike is confident that the pair will forge a strong partnership in future.
“I think it was good,” he said when reflecting on his first start alongside Isak. “Obviously it was not the best half together but I think we can improve together.
“He’s a very good player. I know in time we need to work together and find a good association. The links will come and it will work.
“I think it (why I have settled so quickly) is because in my brain, I feel good. I have very good team-mates, good staff. I love my life there.
“I just hope I’m going to keep going. I feel really good and they have helped me a lot. I think that’s why I’m calm and just doing my thing.”
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Meanwhile, Ekitike, who did not celebrate his goal against Frankfurt as he instead held his hands up apologetically to the home supporters, also paid tribute to his former club after the final whistle as he admitted he would not be a Liverpool player if it was not for the role the Bundesliga outfit had played in his career.
“You know I had to (score), it was a great feeling,” he told TNT Sports. “Obviously, it was something special today for me to come back, I would say at home. I know everybody here.
“It was a special game for me. Obviously to win, that was important, and to also score my first goal in the Champions League. I’m really happy.
“I was just keeping cool, calm. I do what I can do. I knew he would come and he would open the legs so I tried to put it between the legs and that worked. That was good.
“I have so much respect for them (Frankfurt). They made me the player I am right now. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t come to Frankfurt.
“I can be respectful and grateful for what they gave to me. I will keep what I learned there and what they gave me all the time in the future.”