Ryan Gravenberch faced the media on Monday afternoon ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid at Anfield. Softfootball reports that the Dutch midfielder, who scored on his return from injury during the Reds’ 2-0 win over Aston Villa, discussed his improving form, the influence of manager Arne Slot, and what it’ll take to stop Madrid’s attacking stars.
Liverpool revealed that the midfielder granted a pre-match press conference ahead of the encounter via the team’s official X account.
They posted:
Gravenberch admitted that his father’s advice has been paying off this season, especially in front of goal. He added that his dad remains an important voice in his development.
He said:
I think I listened to my dad more this season! He always says to me, ‘You have to shoot more, shoot more.’ This season, you see what happens! Even on Saturday against Villa, I shot, and it got deflected. So, I just have to shoot more.
He has watched every game, and we talk about what I can do better. I listen to him a lot — especially this season.
When asked about the significance of facing Real Madrid, Gravenberch kept things simple and focused. The 23-year-old acknowledged the threat that Real Madrid pose, especially from the left side where Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior are known to cause havoc. Gravenberch also credited Arne Slot for the trust and confidence he’s been given since the manager took over.
He revealed:
I think every game is important. Obviously now we play against Madrid, and if we win it will be good for us. But we go game by game, and we just focus on Madrid tomorrow.
They are doing really great this season. The whole team basically, but especially if you see Mbappé or Vinicius on the left , when they go in behind, it’s a big strength of them. We need to be spot on tomorrow if we face them.
For me (Arne Slot), he’s really important. When he came here, he gave me the chance to become a starting XI player, gave me a lot of confidence, and the opportunity to show myself again to the world. For that, I’m really happy.
When the topic shifted to Mbappé, Gravenberch couldn’t help but smile, hinting that his teammate Ibrahima Konaté might have a few secrets about handling the French star.
He analysed:
Ibou knows him very well I have to speak with Ibou about this maybe! But we know he’s a top, top player with really good quality. He can play in behind, he can come on the ball, and he’s a good finisher. It will not be easy for us, but we’ll do everything to try to stop him.
We are trying to do the same things, but for the new players, it’s not always easy because they come to a new team, new coach, new principles of play. It takes time. But they’re already doing a good job.
Finally, he reflected on adjusting to a deeper midfield role, something that demanded both patience and learning.
He explained:
How easy was it? It was not easy!. I had played there before a little bit, so I knew what to expect. When the coach came, I had big conversations with him about what he expects from me. Now, I just focus on the six position and try to do my best there.
Liverpool will host Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the Champions League group stage.
