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Hugo Ekitike has revealed the private conversation that ultimately convinced him to join Liverpool this summer.
Since his $104 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt in July, Ekitike has quickly adapted to English football, scoring six goals in 15 appearances for the Premier League champions.
Ekitike leads Liverpool’s scoring this season, and his impressive form has earned him two call-ups so far to the French national team. His fast impact at Liverpool contrasts sharply with Alexander Isak, who has found the net just once since his record-breaking transfer from Newcastle United.
Ekitike insists he is confident that Liverpool is the ideal club for his development as a player.
"Obviously, when they came to me, I was sure," the France international told Sky Sports. "Obviously, I talked with my family and my brothers to see what was the best for me.
"I think in terms of identity, etiquette, it's just like a club for me to keep progressing and improving myself. Like a serious club with big values, great supporters, top stadium so I think it is the right place for me. I'm definitely sure this is the right place for me."
The 23-year-old also revealed that Slot is constantly encouraging him to improve, playing a key role in his ongoing development. "As a player, sometimes you’re p*****. It's annoying but I know he [Slot] wants the best for me and he wants the best for the team. I would say he's on my back, but not for a bad reason" added Ekitike.
He continued: "He just wants to help me, so I don’t take that badly. He wants me to give more and more.
"Sometimes you say that when a coach is on your back that maybe you feel like it's a little bit too much and you want to complain, but it's a good thing because, if a coach doesn't like you, he will not speak to you or not try to get the best of you. I take that in a good way."
When asked about the instructions he’s been receiving, the former Paris Saint-Germain star said: “Obviously, keep my shirt on,” a reference to his red card against Southampton in September, when he was shown a second yellow for celebrating his winning goal by removing his jersey.
“It was more about work-rate without the ball, to be more involved and to work more for the team, which I'm trying to do. We'll get there - it's mostly about working without the ball.”
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