Hugo Ekitike praised Liverpool’s fighting spirit after the Premier League champions launched their title defence with a thrilling 4-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth at Anfield.
The summer signing opened the scoring with a composed close-range finish – his first home goal for the club – before turning provider as he set up Cody Gakpo to double the Reds’ advantage before half-time.
Bournemouth hit back through Antoine Semenyo, who struck twice in quick succession after the restart to level the contest and silence the home crowd.
But Liverpool responded in emphatic fashion, with Federico Chiesa restoring the lead in front of the Kop before Mohamed Salah wrapped up the points late on to seal a winning start for Arne Slot’s side.
Ekitike said: “Obviously I think it was a good performance. I could do better. But the most important [thing] tonight is the win and the mentality we showed. We wanted to win for the people who came tonight and for Diogo, and I think that’s what we did so I’m happy for everybody.
“I have so many things to do better to help the team as [much] as I can. I can do a lot of things and I think I would get better and do even more for this team.
“Yeah, I think it’s natural. I also changed my way to play here because I think it’s also different football, with more intensity. The defenders are stronger and we have tight space here. I had so much more space in Germany. That’s why I try to come, link and go, try to run behind. But we have to find the way to succeed with the details, because it’s not [enough to be] ‘good’ anymore and we just have to get better.”
He added: “I attracted the defender, I came to link up and I was a bit lucky with the touch, the ball came back to me. At the end it’s an easy goal but I have to stay calm in front of the goal and just do my job, so keep going.
“I try to think before the defenders and to read the game. To know what the other players around me are going to do. I knew the defenders like to come and press me so I know at my back or on the side I will have space. I just attracted him and I knew Cody will be there. It’s special, he’s really good when he comes inside with his right foot. I went and it made a difference so I’m happy for him.
“It’s a dream. I always dreamed to play here in the Premier League so I just enjoy every minute. It’s an amazing stadium. The fans at the end when it was at 2-2, they pushed so much.
“Even on the bench, I enjoyed it. I wanted to be in the crowd! It’s just amazing. But it’s the first game, we have so much to do to get better and to reach our goals.”
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