Jurgen Klopp opens up on Takumi Minamino and Erling Braut Haaland
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has stated that it is wrong to compare the fortunes of Takumi Minamino and Erling Braut Haaland, while also touching upon why the Reds had no chance of signing the Norwegian striking sensation. (h/t Liverpool Echo)
Minamino hasn’t been able to replicate his showing at Salzburg since joining Liverpool in January. In contrast to him, former teammate Haaland has hit the ground running and taken the Bundesliga by storm.
The Norwegian has scored 11 times in seven games including a brace against PSG in the UEFA Champions League. Minamino, on the other hand, is yet to register a goal contribution in four appearances so far.
Klopp has revealed that he has no problems with Minamino, while also urging the Japanese playmaker to stick to his natural game. The German thinks that both players have made the perfect choice with respect to joining clubs that suit them.
The Liverpool manager has urged Minamino to showcase his natural ability rather than restrict himself to how the team plays. Although Liverpool is not lacking in attacking prowess, Klopp believes that the player can add variety into the mix.
“He wants to do what we want him to do. But we want him to do what he does naturally.”
He believes that a drop in quality is expected at times but you can always get back to your best. Klopp reveals that Minamino is aware of the players before him who have faced the same issues and praised the Japanese international for his application in training.
He also admitted that Dortmund was the right choice for Haaland and there was no chance Liverpool would have got him.
“Nobody else had a chance, I’m pretty sure, no matter what they say.”
More Liverpool News
- Loris Karius to return to Liverpool from Besiktas in the summer
- Arsene Wenger backs Liverpool to break Arsenal’s unbeaten run
- Dua Lipa sends a message to Liverpool fans ahead of City tour
Liverpool are currently 22 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City in the English Premier League. The Reds need just 15 more points to guarantee their first league title in 30 years.
