Klopp hails Minamino’s ‘outstanding, super’ Liverpool debut
LONDON: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described Takumi Minamino as “super and outstanding” after the Japanese international made his debut in the 1-0 FA Cup win over Everton on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Minamino, who signed for £7.25 million (US$9.4 million) from Salzburg in Austria, was part of a much-changed Reds line-up at Anfield.
The 22-time international almost enjoyed a goal-scoring debut when he glanced a header wide of the mark before he was eventually replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after 70 minutes.
“Super, outstanding. Exactly the player we wanted, exactly the player we wished for,” said Klopp of his new forward.
“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.” — AFP
PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain rested superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe before defeating sixth-tier Linas-Montlhery 6-0 in the French Cup on Sunday as the amateur side, and self-confessed fans of their monied rivals, were left to rue a missed penalty when trailing just 1-0.
The part-timers, whose budget is 2,000-times smaller than the Qatari-backed Parisian giants, fell behind to a goal on the halfhour by teenager Adil Aouchiche.
However, they were then awarded a penalty after Colin Dagba brought down Issa Cisse.
Up stepped Idrissa Kanoute but his tame spot kick was well saved by Sergio Rico in the PSG goal.
Less than a minute later, Uruguayan star Edinson Cavani, named captain for the night, tucked away PSG’s second and the game was up.
Cavani, starting for the first time in two months, added his second just on the hour mark before Pablo Sarabia (63rd and 70th minutes) and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (87th) completed the rout.