Time for a new challenge? Cody Gakpo didn’t see the resignation coming

Former PSV player Cody Gakpo is meanwhile getting ready with Oranje for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Last week, Gakpo still had to hear the news that Arne Slot was dismissed as coach of Liverpool FC. Meanwhile, Gakpo is being linked with a departure from Liverpool.

Slot was eventually put out on the street by the club management of The Reds after a disappointing season without trophies and a fifth place in the final Premier League standings. Despite this, Gakpo traveled to the United States with a different feeling.

This is what the winger said in conversation with ESPN. ''No, that's unrelated. Of course it's a shame that the coach was sacked, especially after a season in which we fought to reach the Champions League. The club has also issued a statement with the explanation in it,'' the former PSV player says about it.

Mainly because Liverpool managed to qualify for the main tournament of the Champions League, Gakpo had given absolutely no thought to a possible dismissal of the head coach. ''In the end, I think no one of the players saw it coming, but it did happen. Besides that, I think many players from the club are now working toward the World Cup, so we also have to put it behind us quickly. However difficult it may be,'' the forward continues.

Last season, Slot got Liverpool with Gakpo over the line to the league title. This season, the Merseyside club had it clearly much harder than last season, and that ultimately resulted in a season without trophies. Is it time for a new challenge for Gakpo? The former PSV player is being linked with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite that, the wing attacker delivered his thank-you speech to Slot. ''With some players, I definitely do have contact; I also do things with them off the field. I also sent Slot a message, to thank him for the past two years. Of course, with last season as the highlight, so there are great memories'', concludes Gakpo.