Hugo Ekitike struck by step up in intensity at Liverpool – “I work way more”

Hugo Ekitike has noticed the shift in intensity since his move to Liverpool, with the striker explaining he is working “way more in the gym” than he ever has.

Ekitike has started four of Liverpool’s five games this season and has already endeared himself to supporters after early goals in the Community Shield and Premier League.

The 23-year-old arrived after a season-and-a-half in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, and he has quickly recognised the shift in intensity in the Premier League.

“The intensity is high here, on the ball and off the ball,” Ekitike told Stan Sport.

“I work way more in the gym than before with the athletic coaches, but in terms of football, I just play my football. I’ve got good players around me, so they make that easy.

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“I feel like in the Premier League all the games are top [level]. You play Manchester, you might play Chelsea in the next game, then you go to Fulham. It’s just big games all the time.

“You have to be consistent, and have good recovery to be ready for those kinds of games, huge teams you face and you have to be ready.”

The Frenchman, who has had his fellow countryman Ibrahima Konate help him settle in, has yet to play a full 90 minutes and his comments underline the transition Liverpool’s squad is undertaking.

Of Liverpool’s 10 summer signings, six came from outside the Premier League and adjusting to their new teammates and the intensity levels will take time, as Virgil van Dijk explained this week.

The captain said: “I’m definitely delighted with all the players, the quality that we have brought in. But it takes time, it’s absolutely normal.”

That Arne Slot‘s side have won all five of their matches while still needing to find their stride as a new-look team will only offer confidence for what this season could bring once things click.

As for Ekitike, who now has Alexander Isak for competition, he is motivated by giving back to the club’s supporters after their early show of love and support.

“I didn’t know the fanbase of Liverpool was huge like that, but it’s really good,” he said. “I feel like they like me, they show a lot of love and I just want to give back.”

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