Cody Gakpo says it is "difficult for new players to come in and adapt", following Liverpool's recent run of poor results. 

Liverpool, who return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host rivals Manchester United at Anfield, were unbeaten in their opening seven games across all competitions, but have since lost their last three. 

Before the October international break, the reigning champions went on a run of three consecutive defeats against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea. Despite this, Arne Slot's side remain just one point behind league leaders Arsenal after seven matches.

Gakpo, returning to Merseyside after scoring three times in two games for the Netherlands, believes the current challenging spell is part of a learning curve for a team still finding its rhythm.

He told Premier League Productions: "I think it's always been difficult when new players come in to adapt to the team. But I think now, when we have a lot of new players, sometimes it's difficult when you change the team. We also lost a lot of players who were here [for] a long time.

"We were together for a few good years now. So, some players left, Lucho [Luis Diaz] left, Darwin [Nunez] left, Jarell [Quansah] left, and Harvey [Elliott] left as well.

"Then you have to replace them, and new players come in and you need to make it fit. I think that's going well. We try to get to know each other every day better and better again.

"It's also a little unfortunate with Alex [Isak], who didn't really have a pre-season. It's all these things together - but I think we will find a way forward."

After winning the title last season, the Reds are looking to clinch back-to-back top-flight titles for the first time since 1982-83 and 1983-84. 

"I think as a team this year, we obviously want to defend the title. I think we have the squad for that as well. [We have] good players and a good team," he added.

"We'd like to be better in the Champions League than last year. To be playing now in four competitions, our aim is to win four, but that is the aim every season. I think we have a good squad to compete on every front."