Football

Takumi Minamino reveals player that convinced him to join Liverpool


Minamino joined from RB Salzurg in January (Picture: Getty Images)

Liverpool winger Takumi Minamino has revealed his Japan teammate Shinji Kagawa urged him to join Jurgen Klopp’s side ahead of his January move.

The 25-year-old completed a £7.65million switch from Austrian side RB Salzburg after drawing interest following several standout performances in the Champions League earlier this season.

Former Manchester United midfielder Kagawa was recruited by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, and he rates the German as one of the best managers in the world.

Minamino told Liverpool’s official programme: ‘I also spoke to Shinji Kagawa as he had played for Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund, too.

‘Klopp talked to me about Shinji and Shinji talked about Klopp and from that I could sense that they had a really good relationship.

‘Shinji said that Klopp was one of the best coaches in the world and now that I am here and working for him I have also realised he is one of the best coaches around.

‘Two or three days after joining the club, [Klopp] said I could play any way I wanted to play and just enjoy playing.

‘As a player, I was really happy he said that. In the locker room, he is very good at motivating players, so I want to respond to his motivation, even in the practice sessions as well as in the actual games.

Minamino is still settling in to life at Liverpool since his January move, appearing just four times in all competitions, and it’s not only the football that’s taken him time to adjust to.

He added: ‘Understanding the Scouse accent for the first time was hard, though. I thought it was another language!

‘I couldn’t really understand it and I haven’t managed to learn any phrases yet. Liverpool is such a great city.’

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