Plenty of Liverpool fans have given their backing to Takumi Minamino after the Japanese forward spoke candidly about his first couple of months at Anfield since coming to the club in January.
In an interview with liverpoolfc.com, which was subsequently shared on Twitter via @LFC, the 25-year-old acknowledged that he is still adapting to life on Merseyside but does not want to use that as an excuse for struggling to get regular game-time or contribute to goals for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Minamino acknowledges he's still finding his feet in this #LFC side, but doesn't consider that to be an acceptable excuse when it comes to delivering important contributions.https://t.co/JeDJlwqq5c
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 6, 2020
He said: “I don’t really know how much I still need to learn. But day by day, I’m feeling that I understand his [Klopp’s] philosophies and I’m getting better. I have to show results. I think this is very important in order to win trust from the teammates and trust from the supporters.
“I think this is a very important thing that I have to achieve. I have been in this club for three months and I haven’t played many games and my playing time is not that much – but this is not a good excuse.” [via liverpoolfc.com]
Minamino, a £7.25m signing from Red Bull Salzburg (as per The Telegraph), has made six appearances for the Reds so far but his only starts have come in the FA Cup, with just three substitute outings in their nine Premier League games since the turn of the year. He has yet to score or assist in 322 minutes on the pitch for Liverpool. [via TransferMarkt]
Despite him being unable to hit the ground running, these Reds fans on Twitter remain firmly behind the 25-year-old. One supporter cited the time it took for Roberto Firmino to hit his stride at Anfield after joining in 2015 – the Brazilian scored just once in his first 23 games for the club but now has 76 goals in 233 appearances:
He’s doing just fine.
Remember when Firmino arrived?— Xolile Mpisane (@XolileSports) March 6, 2020
He’s class and will do fine we’re In sticky patch so not the easiest situation to come into
— LFC (@DavidElliott720) March 6, 2020
Don’t worry Minamino. All will come into place soon ?
— Rukhsar. (@rukhsarahmed786) March 6, 2020
Team Mates need to have more trust in him which will come then he will fly
— martyn_lfcfan (@martyn1200) March 6, 2020
Give him time he will adapt ???
— AstonAsh (@Aston177ash) March 6, 2020
I thought he had a good game against Chelsea. One man doesn’t make a team. Keep going & you’ll be great. YNWA
— LovetoKop (@KopLoveto) March 6, 2020
Really don’t think he’s done a lot wrong to be honest . Made brilliant space and runs ! Few of the others need be sharper and give him the ball in those moments .
— Orc (@RetroOrc) March 6, 2020
His effort is outstanding, he will find his feet soon, what a player he will be in the future
— BenjaminTRNT (@BeePeeAr) March 6, 2020
What did you make of Minamino’s comments about his time at Liverpool so far? Can you see him going on to make an impact similar to Firmino’s? Share your views in the comments section below!
