Liverpool's Dutch coach Arne Slot gives a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match against Galatasaray at Rams Park Stadium in Istanbul on March 9, 2026. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Liverpool's Dutch coach Arne Slot gives a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match against Galatasaray at Rams Park Stadium in Istanbul on March 9, 2026. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
The Liverpool boss has discussed the maiden season of Hugo Ekitike at Anfield.
Arne Slot reckons that Hugo Ekitike’s strength and conditioning has improved markedly since arriving at Liverpool.
The striker has been the Reds’ most impressive signing from last summer’s busy transfer window. Recruited from Eintracht Frankfurt for up to £79 million, Ekitike has surpassed plenty of expectations.
It was thought that Ekitike would be back-up to Alexander Isak after his £125 million British record move from Newcastle United. But Isak’s fitness issues have meant that Ekitike has largely been first choice.
The France international has fired 16 goals and registered six assists in all competitions this season. He is set to spearhead the attack when Liverpool face Galatasaray in the Champions League last 16 first leg in Istanbul on Tuesday evening.
Reds head coach Slot knew that Ekitike had a potency in the final third, as well as pace and technique. The challenge for Ekitike was going to be adapting to the Premier League - but that he has done.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Slot said: "You don’t see many players who have such great technique and combine that with incredible pace and with scoring goals - starting immediately when you come to the Premier League
"That is not something many players can do. Most players that come from different leagues, especially if they are as young as he is, need some time to adapt before they hit the ground running.
"He did not need that in terms of scoring goals. I think he did need that in terms of playing every three days. If I look at the player now, if I look at his body and how strong and powerful he is now compared to six, seven months ago, there has already been a massive improvement.”
Speaking after a 5-2 win over West Ham United last month, Ekitike - who scored and recorded two assists - admitted that he feels his goal tally should be more than 16.
He said: “To be honest, I could score more. I’m not that happy! But it’s not only about goals, it’s assists as well – today I think I gave one or two assists. As long as I can help the team and be involved, that’s the most important. I want to win so, personally, I’m happy. I’m looking forward to the upcoming games.
“Obviously I can improve, I could score also in the last games, I had good chances. So I have to keep working. I want to be the best version of myself to help the team more, because I know I could help more. But it’s always about lessons and getting better. I’ll try in the upcoming games to be even better, score more and be involved more.”
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