Klopp admits holding talks with the Holland attacker earlier this year.
"Cody knew for a while he was not at his best," Klopp said on dropping Gakpo. "We had a conversation and it has helped him a lot.
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"How can I have an answer for a situation if I do not understand? Maybe it took too long but after the talk, he really stepped up.
"He is so physically strong, he is smart and he has real confidence. He is great for us."