Jurgen Klopp promises long-term role at Liverpool for Takumi Minamino

Jurgen Klopp has promised Taki Minamino that his time at Liverpool will come, but described the challenge he faces in becoming a regular starter.

The Japan international, a £ 7 million contract from Red Bull Salzburg in January, has struggled to make an impact this season; He has only managed 58 minutes, in five appearances as a substitute, in the Premier League and has been limited to two appearances in the Champions League.

Minamino’s last start was against FC Midjytlland on October 27, but there is a chance he could be included in Wednesday night’s clash with Atalanta as Klopp seeks to preserve the form of his front-line attackers: Roberto Firmino. He did not practice Tuesday night, along with Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita.

Jurgen Klopp has promised Takumi Minamino that he will get into Liverpool’s plans

If Firmino has a respite, after his excellent performance against Leicester on Sunday, Minamino would be a natural replacement for the Brazilian and Klopp has urged the 25-year-old to be ready if his opportunity comes.

“There is no drop in form,” Klopp said. “Taki is training well, (Monday) he was exceptional, for example. It’s just a strong team, and offensively, thank God, we didn’t have the same problems as the other positions. It’s hard to get into this team, that’s right.

Much excitement surrounded the move of the Japanese international in January 2019 from RB Salzburg

‘But there is no drop in form, just a challenge. Bobby (Firmino) plays like 12 instruments in our orchestra! It is very important for our rhythm. We can also play well without him. Taki is a great boy and a great player, so he will take up that challenge. His time will surely come.

The win on Wednesday night would be huge for Liverpool as it would give Klopp a chance to give the older players a break in the next two weeks. Liverpool take on Ajax next Tuesday and then finish the Champions League group stage with an away game against Danish FC Midjytlland.

However, that match is likely to be played in Germany (Borussia Dortmund’s stadium is the most likely option) due to quarantine issues with the coronavirus and UEFA is expected to make a decision before the end of this week.

So far, Minamino has not had the same electrical impact as other signings like Diogo Jota

The prospect of finishing things early would be welcome, but Klopp, who will welcome Mohamed Salah back to his starting lineup after the Egyptian’s negative COVID test, refuses to look too far ahead.

“We can only play one game, we can’t play two or three games at a time,” Klopp said.

“Everything is on the table, it is clear that if we win them some problems will be solved. We know that we have to be ready again. Atalanta is a first-rate team with a special way of playing ”.