Minamino on Liverpool Debut: I’m Just Glad We Won

We didn’t have to wait long to see new signing Takumi Minamino make his Liverpool debut. Not many can claim a Merseyside derby as their first game for the Reds, but the Japan international took that pressure of the match in stride.

Klopp had nothing but praise for his newest addition, saying, “Your first game in a team you don’t know, if it’s a settled team it’s already difficult — this team we threw more or less on the pitch with two sessions together.

“And then showing this kind of game understanding, football skills are exceptional, attitude is outstanding, led the chasing pack so often in different situations, which I loved.”

Minamino shared his happiness with Japanese reporters after the match.

“I’m happy that now I’m a part of this team. It was probably one of the most intense matches I’ve played, but I knew the Premier League would be like that so I wasn’t surprised.

“The way we press aggressively, the way we press back, the way we use the space between lines is similar to Salzburg. But the system is not the same so I have to understand the difference and fit myself into this team. I think this is the best stadium for a footballer. The fans were great and I’m just glad we won.”

With Minamino in the mix and Fabinho potentially returning soon, it’s nice to see that Klopp has some choices in his squad, considering the many injury concerns Liverpool have at the moment. They take on Spurs at the weekend and will look to improve on their 13 point lead at the top of the table.