Hugo Ekitike has made it clear that Liverpool’s packed January schedule is something he welcomes rather than fears. Speaking ahead of the Reds’ Premier League trip to Fulham in a post shared on the club’s official X account, the French striker reflected on a period that includes nine matches in one month, coming straight after the frustrating goalless draw with Leeds United at Anfield.
That result slowed Liverpool’s momentum, as previously reported by SoftFootball, but it has not dampened the squad’s belief. Ekitike’s comments also align with the wider message coming from the club’s leadership.
Arne Slot has recently stressed that this phase of the season is about resilience, recovery, and pushing standards higher in 2026. That tone has shaped Liverpool’s approach as they aim to turn draws into wins during this congested run.
The striker explained that playing so frequently during the festive period is something he once only watched from afar. Now living it, he sees it as a privilege that demands total commitment.
Reflecting on the physical and mental demands of English football, Ekitike said:
It was obviously special to play [around] Christmas and the next day after New Year. It’s really exciting. I was in a position when I was watching on TV, so being here and able to play that kind of game is a blessing.
He added that with so many matches, recovery becomes just as important as training.
He noted:
It’s up to us to be fit, recover well after every game and be ready for the next one all the time.
That mindset also explains why videos of him working on ball control in his garage have gone viral. For Ekitike, those sessions are not about show but habit and love for the game.
Explaining his motivation, he said:
Obviously it’s part of my job, our job. Football is my passion, so I do everything well and 100 per cent of things I can do to be fit and able to play every game. But for me, it’s not even work, it’s my passion.
The Leeds draw brought mixed reactions from supporters and pundits, with debates around chance creation and execution dominating post-match discussions. Ekitike acknowledged the frustration but framed it as a learning moment.
He said:
It was a difficult game to face, a difficult team to face… But it’s a lesson. We need to take the good things of this game and go to Fulham and show that we are always able to get better.
With 11 goals already this season, Ekitike has carried added responsibility following Alexander Isak’s injury.
He remains focused on contribution over numbers, stressing:
It doesn’t matter if I score, if I give assists, the most important thing for me is to win.
That mentality continues to define his growing role under Slot as Liverpool navigate one of the toughest stretches of their campaign.
