Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo is still grateful to Ruud van Nistelrooy, his former coach during his time at PSV Eindhoven, and wants to use the game against Manchester United (September 1) to score as many goals as possible to show off to his teacher, who is now part of the Red Devils’ coaching staff.

Van Nistelrooy began his coaching career at PSV U19s before moving up through the ranks to PSV’s youth side in the second division and PSV’s senior side from 2022-23. 

Throughout his career, he has worked with Gakpo, including appointing the 25-year-old to wear the armband at Philippe Stadion. 

Fate has destined the two to face off as enemies at Old Trafford for 90 minutes, but after that, Cody said it would be a time to bow down, offer a tray of flowers, wild grass and recite the words of respect to the teacher: Pajechariya Honti Khunuttara Nussaka.

“Facing Manchester United is a big game, you have Promotion Ufabet to win it,” he told Football International.

“We will be ready for that because United have improved as a team. It will be a great game.”  

“I personally haven’t seen Coach Rud for a long time.” 

“He was my first forward coach and then head coach. I learned a lot from him, in terms of finishing, positional movement.” 

It will be interesting to see which of his former students, Gakpo or current Dutchman Joshua Zirkze of Manchester United , will make Van Nistelrooy more proud.