KLOPP TELLS MINAMINO: YOUR TIME WILL COME

JURGEN KLOPP has promised Taki Minamino his time will come at Liverpool but outlined the challenge he faces to become a regular starter. The Japan international, a £7million signing from Red Bull Salzburg in January, has struggled to make an impact this season, managing 58 minutes over five substitute appearance in the Premier League, and two Champions League appearances. Minamino’s last start was against FC Midtjylland on October 27 but there is a possibility he could be included in tonight’s clash with Atalanta, as Klopp seeks to preserve the fitness of his front-line attackers. Roberto Firmino sat out training last night, along with Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita, and if the Brazilian is given a break following his fine performance against Leicester on Sunday, Minamino would be his natural replacement. Manager Klopp has urged the 25-year-old to be ready if his chance comes.

He said: ‘There is no dip in form. Taki is training well and was exceptional on Monday, for example. It’s just a strong team and offensively we don’t have the same problems as the other positions. It’s hard to get in this team. That’s how it is. His time will come, no doubt.’ Victory tonight would be huge for Liverpool, as it would present Klopp with an opportunity to give senior players a rest in the next two midweeks. Liverpool face Ajax on Tuesday, then finish the Champions League group stage at Midtjylland. That fixture, however, is likely to be played in Germany owing to quarantine issues with coronavirus and UEFA are expected to make a decision before the end of this week. Klopp, who will have Mohamed Salah back in his starting line-up following the Egyptian’s negative Covid test, is refusing to look too far ahead. ‘We can only play one game, we cannot play two or three games at once,’ said Klopp. ‘It’s clear that if we win them, some problems will be sorted. Atalanta are a top team with a special way to play.’