Ekitike is not afraid to compete with Isak and admits being disappointed for his over-the-top celebration

Hugo Ekitike is unbothered by the competition with Alexander Isak and acknowledges his disappointment after receiving a red card for celebrating by taking off his shirt.

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike stated that he can learn from teammate Alexander Isak and is confident that he can partner the Swedish striker on the field.

Ekitike joined the reigning Premier League champions from Eintracht Frankfurt during this summer’s transfer window and has scored 4 goals in 7 matches this season, while Isak arrived at Anfield in a record deal from Newcastle United on the final day of the transfer period. Off the pitch, there is much debate about how coach Arne Slot will rotate these two players, but Ekitike insists that competition is normal in a big club like Liverpool.

“We play for a big club like this,” the French striker shared. “The team can’t rely on just one striker, so it’s great to have him here. I still have a lot to improve and learn. Who starts is the coach’s decision, not mine. I’ve played in a two-striker system and also alone, so I can adapt. If needed, I can play alongside him.”

Despite an impressive start in Liverpool colors, last week Ekitike disappointed coach Slot by receiving a red card in a 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup. As a result, the 23-year-old striker missed the recent match against Crystal Palace, where Liverpool lost 1-2.

“That was not a smart move,” Ekitike commented on the red card. “I was very disappointed to watch my teammates play from home that day, but I apologized to everyone. It won’t happen again. Now I’m putting it behind me and focusing on football.”

Liverpool will look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat when they face Galatasaray in the Champions League. However, The Reds will be without striker Federico Chiesa due to an injury sustained in the match against Palace at Selhurst Park.

“He had some issues in the previous game against Palace,” Slot said during the pre-match press conference. “He tried to train today but couldn’t complete the session, so we decided not to register him, especially with the Chelsea game just a few days away.”

Liverpool’s coach added: “Win, lose or draw, if you want to compete for trophies and wear the Liverpool shirt, you must give your all and play quality football. We wasted too many chances against Palace, so there’s definitely room for improvement. Tonight, I will show the players those points again.”

Related article

Slot explains the reason Chiesa was left out of the Champions League squad Coach Arne Slot confirmed that Federico Chiesa’s absence from the trip to Galatasaray is not serious but a decision to allow him time to recover ahead of the Chelsea match. See more