Greg . 3 hours ago

Title holders Liverpool want to make opening day statement, says Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo admits Liverpool want to make a statement tonight against Bournemouth.

The Reds underway their Premier League title defence at Anfield tonight.

And a determined Gakpo told Liverpoolfc.

com: "I think everybody is eager to start.

We had a good pre-season overall, obviously the last game was unfortunate.

"But I think overall the pre-season was good.

We got new signings who integrated well.

I think everybody wants to get it going and luckily we can start tomorrow.

"We worked very hard as a team, in Asia and here as well.

Hopefully, that results in that we can hit the ground running.

"Now it starts, and hopefully we can show the world that we are here again.

"Intense BournemouthOn facing the Cherries, Gakpo says Liverpool will not be underestimating their opponents.

He said, "I always think with the first game of the season you want to start the season well, so maybe a little bit more adrenaline than normal.

I think we just want to start well.

 "They  are very intense, they are very good, they have very good players as well with the ball.

"We have to be intense as well – what we showed last season in a lot of games.

And we have to be better on the ball – I think we can create a lot.

"So, that's what we have to do and try to get the goals as quick as possible and try to not concede.