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The Reds boss singled out the Japanese attacker for finding a way to adapt during a difficult period
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted that Takumi Minamino can make a big impact after scoring his first goal for the Premier League champions at Community Shield.
FA Cup champions Arsenal eclipsed Liverpool 5-4 on penalties after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the new season opener at Wembley.
Minamino’s first goal for Liverpool disallowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s first goal in the 12th minute in London, where a penalty shoot-out was needed behind closed doors.
Japanese forward Minamino joined Liverpool from Salzburg in January, however, found limited opportunities as the Reds secured their first league crown in 30 years.
But after Minamino opened his account for Liverpool, Klopp told reporters: “It was great for him and great for us because it was the only thing missing since he’s been with us.
“He didn’t score a goal [before], but he had situations and was close in many moments. That helped, of course. The shape he’s in is obviously good, I think everyone could see when he walked in.
“So the goal is more or less the logical step after performing at the level that he does now, especially in the preseason. I am very happy for him, it was very important for us to be in the game and for him, just to give this first important step. “
Klopp added: “He can have an impact, that’s why we hired him. That’s easily said. I don’t want to put, after one or two really good performances in the preseason, massive pressure on his shoulders that there is absolutely nothing.” Need to.
– Goal (@goal) August 29, 2020
“We have a good football team and it is difficult to get into the team anyway. But he is a player who is really useful to us, let me put it that way. It was not just the goal today. He is in the middle, he is really good. In small spaces, your first touch is exceptional, then your decision making between the lines is really fast – that helps too.
“So yeah he can be a real player for us, that was always clear. He went into the most difficult period of all of our lives I would say, and he had to adjust to different things, being alone in England in blocking and all. those things, that’s not pretty.
“But he handled it very well because he is a super professional. So I am very happy that he was able to score the goal today and that is another big step for him.”
Meanwhile, Klopp said he is in favor of the continuation of the five substitution rule to help with the well-being of footballers.
Five substitutions were introduced after the 2019-20 season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic before resuming in June, and there are talks for the two additional changes per game to remain in 2020-21.
“I know that later he will come back to discuss if it is an advantage for the bigger clubs. Look, I am not talking about it from that point of view, I do not want to have an advantage in the competition or whatever.” said Klopp, whose Liverpool opens their title defense against Leeds United on September 12.
“We have 38 Premier League games in a shorter four-week season, that says it all. All other competitions will be pretty much the same as I know of, so that means these things will help. But I can imagine other teams. they see it differently.
“It’s never about having an advantage; I also saw it last season when we played in the last nine games of the season, I thought, ‘Oh well, [Manchester] The city brings five players … not bad! But it’s about how we can get through this season and not who gets a little edge here and there. It really is how we can get through the season.
“I think to have a good season, for the sake of the soccer players and the performance levels, I think it would make sense. But I don’t make the decision.”
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