Takumi Minamino opens up on his lack of regular game time at Liverpool last season amidst the speculation that the player is closing in on a move away this summer.
The Japan international was used as a rotation player by Jurgen Klopp across the 2021-22 campaign with Minamino chipping in with important goals to help his side win the domestic double by clinching the FA Cup and Carabao Cup trophies.
Liverpool, however, are willing to part ways with the 27-year-old in this summer’s transfer window with the Reds forking out a potential club-record fee to bring in the 34-goal dangerman Darwin Nunez from Benfica to bolster their attacking ranks.
Minamino is understood to be a top target for a host of clubs across Europe with recent reports suggesting it was French outfit AS Monaco who have emerged as the frontrunners to land the coveted signature.
In an interview with Japanese news outlet Sanspo, Minamino has admitted that the limited opportunities he has at Liverpool have left him motivated by regret and anger.
“Many of the games I played weren’t of interest to anyone.
“Even if I left the results, there wasn’t much response. I was trying to inspire myself to prove my worth. I was doing personal training other than team training.
“I didn’t want to keep up with my body when I entered the game because I wasn’t in the game, so I did personal training with Plus Alpha. I was thinking that I would leave something behind when I went to the match mentally.
“I felt motivated by regret and anger every day.
“I’ve never had this much time as a player. It was difficult to maintain the condition and connect with my feelings, but it was a season that seemed to have grown. It was disappointing but fulfilling.
“At the same time, it makes sense to play an important game and leave a result, so it is said that I got out and got a result, but I do not think it was a big deal.
“I just did the obvious thing. It was more disappointing than the response. I want to do my best to be a player who can produce results in important games. ”
