1 day ago
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Hugo Ekitike believes Liverpool needs to adopt a more strategic approach, as the Reds' season shows no signs of improvement.
The French striker's double at Leeds seemed to have secured three points for his team, only for a penalty conceded by Ibrahima Konate to spark a comeback from the home side. Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to have clinched victory for Arne Slot's struggling champions, but Ao Tanaka's goal six minutes into extra time prevented the Reds from drawing level with fourth-placed Chelsea.
Ekitike was chosen over Alexander Isak in the forward line by Slot, and he expressed disappointment that the Reds failed to demonstrate authority or intelligence when they were leading 2-0.
"What I could say now is that we could probably run not much more but better," Ekitike told Liverpool's official channels.
"I think it's just the period at the time. We need to keep working together, stick together in that kind of game because we know the pressure is going to be on our shoulders if they score goals, because they play at home and they have big fans.
"I think we just have to stick together, run more for each other and just work as a team."
Ekitike's goals were his first for the Reds in nine appearances, bringing his total for his debut season at the club to eight.
This further cements his position as Liverpool's top scorer this season, a title held by Mohamed Salah for the past eight years.
While Salah's post-match comments as an unused substitute grabbed the headlines, Ekitike was quick to acknowledge the contribution of Conor Bradley, who set up his second goal.
"He gave me a great ball, to be honest," he said. "The only thing I had to do is just to believe that the ball will come again.
"Then, when we had the eye contact, I knew he was going to put in [the ball], and I just threw myself.
"Obviously, with me during that time, I knew I was scoring less, I was less involved in goals and assists.
"I was a bit annoyed because, as a striker, you want to be involved and help the team with scoring goals or give assists.
"I just kept working. I'm glad that today I could score for the team. I just want more – especially to win [as] that's most important for me at the moment. Even if I don't score, I want us to win."
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