Takumi Minamino talks about settling in at Liverpool and the upcoming EFL Cup final against Chelsea
In conversation with Liverpoolfc.com, Takumi Minamino has spoken out about his time at Liverpool and what he plans to achieve in the future in a red jersey.
The 27-year-old footballer came to the limelight during his stint with former club RB Salzburg. Ever since making the move to Anfield, Minamino has had a few bumps along the road and struggled to pin down a regular role in the starting XI at Anfield.
The Japanese international also made his way to Southampton on a loan spell last season in a bid to get more playing minutes under his belt. Whilst he may not have featured too much in the Premier League, Minamino has certainly chipped in with some important performances in the EFL Cup this season.
He seems to have taken a liking to the Carabao Cup scoring four goals and recording one assist in the domestic competition this season. His goal in the quarter-finals against Leicester City was especially important as it helped the Reds equalise in the 95th minute. This strike helped the Merseysiders take the tie into penalties eventually as they overcame the Foxes.
Speaking with Liverpoolfc.com, the Japanese attacker highlighted his eagerness to play for the Anfield outfit. His comments also shed light on the kind of competition the Reds pose for the attackers and it isn’t always easy to get your fair share of opportunities.
“I want to play for Liverpool. But I’ve played over 50 times for Liverpool and that’s a good thing. I’m very happy about that. I want more and I want to help the team more. It’s not easy but I just want to try to do everything for that.”
Using domestic competitions to give fringe and young players a chance
Jurgen Klopp has largely relied on his fringe or upcoming players to get through the domestic cups. The German manager has used these competitions as a launching pad for quite some time now and the likes of Tyler Morton, Billy Koumetio, and even Conor Bradley have got their fair share of chances for the senior squad in the EFL Cup this campaign.
The Reds will face bitter rivals Chelsea in the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday. The club from Merseyside could potentially lift their first trophy of the season if they manage to conquer the Blues on the day.
Whilst speaking with Liverpoolfc.com, Minamino addressed the fact that he would love to play in the final on Sunday. He also spoke about the fact that most of his opportunities this term have come in the EFL Cup.
“I want this title, and the team as well. I’ve played a lot in the Carabao Cup, so of course I want to win the cup. Hopefully, I can play the final and give it my best.”
After the injury woes of last season, this campaign seems to bring a renewed sense of enthusiasm for all the Liverpool fans. Our forward line seems to be roaring at the moment and the 6-0 thumping of Leeds United in the last Premier League fixture provided us with some great momentum going up against the Blues on Sunday.
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Getting their hand on a title could be the perfect way to give the players a boost and keep morale high heading into the business end of the season. Clinching the EFL Cup would only be made sweeter by the fact that we face Chelsea in the final showdown. The fans would be hoping that the club can achieve this feat and provide them with the bragging rights for the upcoming months.
