Former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino has opened up about his time at Anfield, shedding light on his experiences and expressing admiration for his former teammates and manager, Jurgen Klopp. Despite facing challenges in securing a consistent starting role, Minamino played a crucial part in Liverpool’s cup triumphs before making a move to AS Monaco in the summer of 2022.
An Impactful Journey at Anfield
Takumi Minamino, hailing from Red Bull Salzburg, joined Liverpool in January 2020, bringing with him an impressive track record, including 64 goals and six Bundesliga titles. While his tenure at Anfield saw him become a Premier League champion, Minamino faced challenges breaking into the starting XI regularly. However, he made notable contributions to Liverpool’s League Cup and FA Cup successes in 2022, showcasing his talent with crucial goals and assists during key moments in the competitions.
Jesse Marsch’s Insights on Minamino’s Liverpool Spell
Former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch, who managed Minamino during his Salzburg days, offered insights into the Japanese international’s time at Liverpool. Speaking on the ECHO’s Blood Red Podcast, Marsch highlighted Minamino’s positive attitude and dedication to improvement. Despite being a bit reserved, Marsch emphasized Minamino’s top-class character and commitment to hard work.
“He is a little quiet and not the most outgoing guy, but he is a top, top class individual. He is happy [at Liverpool], he has talked about training being good, and the guys being good guys. Taki will only turn up every day and do everything possible to try to improve,” Marsch commented on Minamino’s mindset.
Klopp’s Praise for Minamino
Despite the transfer to Monaco in the summer of 2022, Klopp maintained that Minamino’s time at Anfield was not a failure. Klopp described Minamino as an amazing professional and a super-talented player with a winner’s mentality. The manager emphasized that Minamino’s contributions went beyond the opportunities to start matches and that his achievements at Liverpool would stand the test of time.
Minamino’s Continued Success at Monaco
Since his move to Monaco, Minamino has continued to excel, scoring five goals and providing four assists in the current season. Despite facing challenges at Liverpool, the Japanese star appreciates the impact Klopp had on him and the entire squad. In a previous interview with L’Equipe, Minamino praised Klopp for his motivational skills, acknowledging the manager’s consideration for the efforts of every player, even those not in the starting lineup.
As Minamino thrives in his new chapter with AS Monaco, his reflections on Liverpool highlight the positive aspects of his journey, showcasing the enduring impact of his time under Jurgen Klopp and the camaraderie within the team.
