Liverpool manager Arne Slot credits Hugo Ekitike’s improved physical condition for his recent goal-scoring form as the striker steps up in attack.
LONDON: Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes Hugo Ekitike’s recent goal-scoring form is a direct result of the striker embracing a tougher fitness regime.
The French forward has scored five goals in his last four matches, stepping up with Alexander Isak injured and Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Slot revealed he had to convince the 23-year-old of the necessity of the extra physical work to cope with the demands of English football.
“He showed a lot of hard work to get to this fitness level where he is at the moment,” Slot said ahead of Saturday’s home match against Wolves.
“It sometimes took us — me — a bit of convincing that this all is actually needed to become stronger but he always did it.”
Slot added that improved defensive work from set-pieces also creates more scoring opportunities at the other end of the pitch.
Ekitike initially scored three goals in his first three games after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt but then managed only three in his next 17 appearances.
The reigning champions are now on a six-game unbeaten run after a poor sequence of nine losses in 12 matches.
Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Slot argued the gap in their form has not been as wide as the results suggested, attributing the turnaround to conceding fewer chances and a change in fortune.
“In the last two games I wouldn’t say we didn’t deserve it but they were more equal games than many others we have played which we lost,” he said.
