Jurgen Klopp admitted to making a mistake in deploying Cody Gakpo in midfield, “It didn’t work well.”

Jurgen Klopp admits he made a mistake with Cody Gakpo this season. The Liverpool star is not enjoying his role.

In the 2023/24 season, Klopp has been trying to use Gakpo in midfield to fill the gaps caused by the team’s recurring injuries.

The German coach now acknowledges that his mistake has created problems for both Gakpo and himself, making the Dutch international feel uncomfortable. Liverpool’s manager said he “caused problems” for Cody Gakpo in his final season leading The Kop.

“Cody, I’ve said it before, is a very important player,” Klopp said in a press conference ahead of the match against Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals of the 2023/24 season.

“He came on against Sheffield United and played amazingly, and he played really well against Man United too. I caused a bit of a problem when we didn’t have midfielders, so I put him in there. It didn’t work well. I think Gakpo is okay, but clearly he lacks the confidence that every player needs when playing in that position.

“Since returning to a higher level, he has always been himself, everything is going in the right direction again.”

Cody Gakpo has played much better since returning to his preferred position recently.

CODY GAKPO IN LIVERPOOL’S JERSEY

Perhaps Cody Gakpo’s biggest issue since joining Liverpool has been the lack of consistency in the positions he plays. Previously, Gakpo excelled as a left winger for PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands national team, which led to The Kop’s decision to sign him after the 2022 World Cup.

However, at Anfield, Gakpo has primarily been utilized more in the False 9 role. Klopp occasionally deploys him on the right wing, but most of the time, Gakpo operates deeper in midfield.

Will that change under Liverpool’s new manager? Or in the remainder of the season, as Klopp has recognized his own mistake and key midfielders for The Kop are recovering from injuries and returning to form.