Hugo Ekitike Embraces Liverpool’s January Test

January at Liverpool rarely offers pause or protection, and Hugo Ekitike is discovering that reality at full pace. With fixtures stacking up and expectations never easing, the French forward has made it clear that the challenge is one he welcomes. Speaking in an interview with Liverpoolfc.com, Ekitike reflected on the demands of the schedule, the responsibility on his shoulders, and his determination to keep Liverpool moving forward.

The Reds head to Craven Cottage for the second of nine matches in the month, following a goalless draw with Leeds United on New Year’s Day. Fulham have proven stubborn opponents on their own ground this season, and Ekitike knows the margin for error remains slim.

“It’s a good team. They have great players but I think maybe some have gone to AFCON. It’s going to be a tough game for us but we’re going to work and we will be ready.”

That sense of readiness is shaped by rhythm rather than rest, a theme that runs through Ekitike’s reflections on life in English football.

Relishing the Rhythm of English Football

The festive schedule is often cited as a physical and mental strain, but for Ekitike it represents fulfilment as much as fatigue. Having previously watched such periods from afar, he now finds himself living them.

“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.”

January, however, offers little recovery time. Ekitike accepts that preparation now becomes a discipline as much as a desire.

“Now we’re going back to a busy, busy period, a lot of games in this month of January, but it’s up to us to be fit, recover well after every game and be ready for the next one all the time.”

Passion Beyond Matchday

That preparation does not end at the training ground. Social media clips of Ekitike working on his touch at home have highlighted a player whose connection to the game extends beyond obligation.

“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.”

For Ekitike, the distinction between profession and passion barely exists.

“But for me, it’s not even work, it’s my passion. I love doing that and that’s what we need to do.”

This mindset has helped Liverpool maintain an unbeaten run, even if recent draws have brought frustration rather than celebration.

Lessons From Leeds and Focus on Fulham

The stalemate against Leeds underlined how narrow Premier League margins can be. Ekitike acknowledged both the difficulty and the learning curve.

“It was a difficult game to face, a difficult team to face. They were playing a low block, not much ball and we [had] to create chances. But it’s a lesson.”

Progress, he insists, comes through reflection rather than regret.

“We need to take the good things of this game and go to Fulham and show that we are always able to get better. We didn’t win but we didn’t lose, so it’s up to us to look forward and go to the next game and win.”

That unbeaten run matters, particularly after a demanding spell.

“Obviously it was a tough period for us but we just stick together, try to work.”

Carrying Responsibility in Attack

With 11 goals already this season, Ekitike has carried significant attacking responsibility. He spoke candidly about stepping up while Alexander Isak remains sidelined.

“Obviously that kind of thing happened and I was very sorry for him because it’s not funny when you come to a new club and get injured with that kind of injury – it’s difficult.”

Opportunity, though, brings obligation.

“But for me, I try to do my job. The coach puts me on the pitch and I’ll show him and show the fans that I can help the team.”

Individual numbers remain secondary to collective purpose.

“It doesn’t matter if I score, if I give assists, the most important [thing] for me is to win.”

In a month defined by volume and velocity, Ekitike’s words reflect a player aligned with Liverpool’s relentless standards.