Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledges the emotional moment when Luis Diaz scored the late equalizer against Luton Town
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp revealed that Luis Diaz’s equalizing goal was as emotional as it was important for the team. The Colombia international scored an extra-time goal in the 95th minute to earn a draw against Luton Town.
Liverpool dominated the game but failed to convert their chances as the frustration grew further after a Luton goal. The home team took the lead from a counter-attack while Liverpool were asking for a penalty for Ross Barkley’s handball.
Klopp allowed Diaz to decide whether he wanted to play or not as the 26-year-old was facing a stressful situation. Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) kidnapped the Colombian forward’s parents last week while releasing his mother hours into that day. Diaz is currently awaiting the release of his father as the negotiations are ongoing with a positive outcome expected.
Klopp told Sky Sports that Diaz’s goal was important and emotional for everyone but his father’s well-being remains the priority. He said:
“A wonderful moment but it doesn’t change the situation. Most important thing is that his father gets released. It is wonderful he wanted to be here. That’s it, for us a super important goal and for him very important and emotional, but that’s it.”
The Reds experienced a frustrating afternoon characterized by average collective performances and complacent shooting in front of the goal. Furthermore, the referees shrugged off two penalty decisions which only added to the list of bad calls suffered this season.
Diaz’s goal turned the Red’s frustrating night somewhat bittersweet as his celebration gave perspective to what is more important. The 26-year-old lifted his shirt to deliver an emotional message “Libertad para Papa” which means “Freedom for dad”.
Este gol es por la libertad de mi padre y de todos los secuestrados de mi país.
— Luis Fernando Díaz (@LuisFDiaz19) November 5, 2023
Gracias a todos por su apoyo.@europapress @bbcmundo @el_pais @AFP @cruzrojacol @ONU_derechos @ONUcolombia @RevistaSemana @nytimes @Reuters @CNNEE @ElTIEMPO @elheraldoco pic.twitter.com/KuRqYkTPhv
The Liverpool boss further conveyed what every Kopite want to hear soon, the safe return of Diaz’s father. Football is a beautiful game and a huge part of the lives of billions of fans who worship the sport.
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However, some things eclipse our love for the game and our family’s safety will always come first. At the end of the day, Liverpool is a family club, globally connecting millions of lives. We hope that Diaz’s father will safely return soon and he can enjoy his son wearing the Liverpool jersey.
