Garkebo: I hope the first league game will start well; the front line is the first barrier to defense

Hupu, August 14th, the Red Army will face Bournemouth in Anfield and start their Premier League title defense journey. Liverpool secured the championship four rounds ahead of schedule last season. Now, after new players join and productive pre-season preparations, Slott's team hopes to set a strong tone in the first round.

Gakpo said in an interview with Liverpool's official website on Thursday: "I think everyone can't wait to start. Overall, our preseason is good, and of course the last game is a bit regrettable."

"Overall, the preseason is very good. New players have integrated into the team well. I think everyone wants to enter the game as soon as possible, and luckily we can start tomorrow."

"We train very hard in Asia and here. Hope this will allow us to get into the state quickly. New players have integrated well. Now the league has begun. I hope we can prove to the world that we are back."

This kick-off game at 3 am on August 16 is the first time Liverpool has ushered in the Premier League opening game at Anfield since 2020. Last time, Salah scored a hat-trick and the Reds defeated Leeds United 4-3.

This time, their opponent is Bournemouth, coached by Andoni Iraola - a dynamic and well-organized team that ranked ninth last season.

Gakbo added: "I always thought you would want a good start to the first season, so there might be a little more adrenaline than usual. I think we just want to start."

"Of course, Anfield is great. I miss playing in the league like this. I think everyone is happy that we can finally start."

"They are very strong, they are very strong, and there are many skilled players. We have to do the same intensity - just like last game As shown in many games in the season. And we have to be better at possession - I think we can create a lot of opportunities. "

" So, we have to score goals as soon as possible while trying not to concede. Everyone knows that this is a highly competitive league, no easy game. We have to stay focused for 95 minutes and strive to win."

coach Slott admitted at a pre-match press conference that the team exposed some areas of "fine adjustment" in the defensive organization this summer.

Gakbo explained how he and his forward teammates regarded themselves as the first barrier to defense: "Most of the time it starts with us. When opponents try to organize an offense from the backcourt, the first thing is to force us."

"If we do well, it may be easier to get them suppressed in the half and get the ball back in that area."

"But it starts with us, it's the whole team's business, we have to do it together."