1 week ago
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Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is confident that he and Alexander Isak can work well together after they started in the same team in a big Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Back in the starting XI against his old club, Ekitike played with Isak for 45 minutes before the Sweden international was replaced by Federico Chiesa. And he is hoping for more chances to play with the former Newcastle United star in the coming weeks.
"I think it was good," Ekitike told TNT Sports. "I think we can improve together. He is a very good player. I know in time, we need to work together and find a good association. The links with come, and then it all works.
"In my brain, I feel good. I have very good teammates and good staff. I love my life here. I settled in and I just hope I am going to keep going.
"They have helped me a lot. That is why I am calm and I am just doing my thing."
Ekitike was playing against his former club after joining Liverpool in the summer for a fee that could reach $106 million (£79 million) including add-ons.
"I have so much respect for them," he said. "I wouldn't be here at Liverpool if I didn't come to Frankfurt.
"I'm grateful and I will keep what I learned there with me all the time in the future."
While Isak and Ekitike got some more minutes on the field together, the former only lasted to half-time because of an injury, Arne Slot confirmed at the final whistle.
"Alex was well prepared to play but the margins are small," he explained in his post-match press conference.
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"I am hoping this is not that bad. If he would be out for a few weeks that would throw him back.
“I don’t think there is a rule [for how long it will be until we see the best of Isak]. We were careful of him, Sweden too, we told them he is ready to play twice."
On TNT Sports, Slot had said that Isak "felt his groin a little bit" and therefore was withdrawn. The former Newcastle ace will now be assessed and no chances will be taken.
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