Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola says he has no doubts about Cody Gakpo after the forward played a decisive role in the 2-0 victory over Ipswich.
Gakpo provided the assist for both of Alexander Isak’s goals as Liverpool secured the win. Isak’s double settled the match, while Gakpo’s involvement in each goal was the main focus of the question put to Iraola after the game.
“I have no doubt about Gakpo,” Iraola said.
The manager’s comments came shortly after a proposed move involving Gakpo and Manchester City was cancelled by Liverpool before the close of the transfer window. The transfer development had placed added attention on the Netherlands international, but his performance against Ipswich gave him a direct contribution to Liverpool’s victory.
Gakpo did not score in the match, yet he influenced the result twice by creating the opportunities finished by Isak. The forward’s two assists allowed Isak to claim both goals, meaning Liverpool’s attacking threat was reflected in the partnership between the two players.
For Iraola, the result provided a clear opportunity to address questions about Gakpo’s form and status. Rather than expressing concern, the Liverpool head coach offered an unequivocal assessment of the player, insisting that he retained complete confidence in him.
The 2-0 scoreline also ensured that the attention surrounding the transfer situation did not overshadow Gakpo’s contribution on the pitch. His role was central to both decisive moments, with Isak converting the chances he created.
The match therefore combined two significant developments for Liverpool: Isak’s two-goal performance and Gakpo’s return to the centre of the discussion after the abandoned move to Manchester City. Iraola’s response was clear, with the manager rejecting any suggestion that he had lost faith in the forward.
Liverpool’s victory over Ipswich was ultimately secured by Isak’s finishing, but Gakpo’s creative contribution was equally important to the outcome. His involvement in both goals gave Iraola a strong basis for his public support, while the manager’s statement directly addressed the questions raised after the transfer deal was called off.
With no further details provided about the cancelled move, the central message from the Liverpool head coach was his continued trust in Gakpo. The forward assisted both goals, Isak scored twice, and Liverpool completed a 2-0 win over Ipswich.