Hugo Ekitike Opens Up About His Relationship with Arne Slot at Liverpool and the Prospect of Playing with Alexander Isak
French striker Hugo Ekitike sheds light on his dynamic with Liverpool manager Arne Slot, expressing how the Dutchman's high standards have sometimes left him frustrated. He also addresses the speculation surrounding his playing compatibility with fellow forward Alexander Isak. Get the inside scoop on Ekitike's insights and experiences in this exclusive interview.
Hugo Ekitike has revealed the inner workings of his relationship with Liverpool boss Arne Slot, admitting that the Dutchman's high standards have left him "p*ssed off" at times. The 23-year-old made the comments in a sit-down interview ahead of the Reds' marquee clash with Manchester City, where he also shot down suggestions that he and Aleksander Isak cannot play together in the same team. Ekitike has been a resounding success on Merseyside since making the switch from Eintracht Frankfurt for a fee of £79m in the summer, however his time with the club has not been without some friction, as he readily admits.The French striker was speaking with Daily Mail Sport, when he revealed that Slot's demands have annoyed him at times. The Reds' boss has demanded more work from Ekitike without the ball, while he has also publicly criticised the ex-PSG man for his red card against Southampton in September. Ektike scored the winning goal against the Championship side in the third round of the Carabao Cup, and was shown a second yellow card for removing his shirt during wild celebrations. Despite those bumps in their working relationship, Ekitike views the Dutchman's pressure as a positive sign going forward. Discussing Slot's high demands, Ekitike said: "As a player, sometimes you're p***ed (off), it's annoying."I know he wants the best for me and he wants the best for the team. I would say he's on my back, but (it's) not a bad thing. He just wants to help me, so I don't take that badly. He wants me to give more and more."Sometimes you say that a coach is on your back. Maybe sometimes you feel like it's a little bit too much and you want to complain, it's a good thing because I think if a coach doesn't like you, he will not speak to you or not try to get the best of you. I take it in a good way."On a certain day, obviously when I go 'it's a little bit annoying' but when I look back and watch the discussion we have, it's only good things and it's only for me to improve."When pushed for the specific demands his manager has put on him, Ekitike replied: "To keep my shirt on! It was more about workrate without the ball. It was mostly about that, to be more involved and to work more for the team, which I'm trying to do. We'll get there – it's mostly about working without the ball."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Ekitike's fast start to life in England was waylaid by the addition of Isak. The Swede completed his £125m from Newcastle later in the window, and his proven Premier League pedigree and high price tag meant that Ekitike was temporarily dropped to the bench. The pair have started in tandem just once so far for Liverpool, a 5-1 demolition of the Frenchman's former club Eintracht Frankfurt. That experiment was cut short before it could really get going, with Isak picking up a groin injury in the first half of that tie that has sidelined him for the past three weeks. Despite their similarities, Ekitike sees no reason why the two cannot play together going forward. "I think I'm able to play with any players and we can definitely play together," Ekitike insisted. "I think we only played once in one half, so obviously we can't know yet. He's a good player and I'm not worried about good players because. intime they improve and learn how to find connections and links."I'm definitely sure that not only him, but all the players in the offensive line, I know we can all play together. Obviously not playing on the pitch all together at the same time, but I can be on the pitch with all of them and just enjoy playing good football."Ekitike's thoughts on a burgeoning relationship with Isak will be of little consequence on Sunday, as the Swede will likely be unable to feature from the off against City due to injury. The Frenchman, who also revealed he models his game on the trio of famous stars he played alongside in Paris, will have to channel his frustrations from his manager's critiques in a positive fashion as he will likely lead the line by himself against Pep Guardiola's side.
Ekitike's Candid Reflections on Arne Slot's Expectations
In a recent interview, Hugo Ekitike revealed his feelings about Arne Slot's coaching methods at Liverpool. Despite occasional frustrations with the manager's demands, Ekitike acknowledges that Slot's intentions are rooted in pushing him to achieve his best. The French striker sees this pressure as a positive force for growth and improvement, highlighting the importance of working diligently both on and off the ball.
Addressing Playing Concerns with Alexander Isak
Amid discussions about his partnership with fellow forward Alexander Isak, Ekitike dismisses any doubts about their ability to play together effectively. Despite having limited game time alongside Isak due to the latter's injury, Ekitike remains confident in their potential to develop synergy on the pitch. He emphasizes his adaptability and belief in the team's collective ability to deliver strong performances.
Preparing for the Clash Against Manchester City
As Liverpool gear up to face Manchester City in a highly anticipated match, Ekitike finds himself at the forefront of their attacking lineup. With Isak likely sidelined, the pressure is on Ekitike to lead the line against a formidable opponent. Drawing inspiration from his past experiences and the guidance of his manager, Ekitike aims to channel his frustrations constructively and make a significant impact on the upcoming game.
Looking Ahead: Ekitike's Football Philosophy and Role Models
Hugo Ekitike draws inspiration from his time playing alongside iconic figures during his stint at PSG. The French striker models his game on the expertise and success of these esteemed players, shaping his approach to football both on and off the field. As his journey with Liverpool continues to unfold, Ekitike's dedication to improvement and teamwork remains at the core of his mindset.
