Jesse Marsch backs Takumi Minamino to succeed at Liverpool

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 18 April 2020

Red Bull Salzburg head coach Jesse Marsch backs former player Takumi Minamino to prove his worth at Liverpool despite an underwhelming start to his Anfield career.

Red Bull Salzburg head coach Jesse Marsch has backed former player Takumi Minamino to prove his worth at Liverpool over time.

Minamino joined the Reds from Salzburg in January but is yet to score or assist in seven appearances, while his only starts so far have come in the FA Cup.

The 25-year-old was brought to Anfield after impressing against Liverpool in the Champions League, and Marsch is confident that he can replicate those performances for Jurgen Klopp's side once he settles at the club.

"When I came [to the club], I knew he was going to be a big part of what we were about. He's smart, very clever. He's not pure explosive but he understands football, he understands how to make final plays and tactics," he told ESPN FC.

"What you have in Liverpool is so many talented and experienced players that play ahead of him, so it might take a while for Taki to establish himself in that group. I think over time, they're going to figure out more and more and more that he can play almost any of the front six positions for Liverpool.

"Because he's so smart and clever, he'll figure things out and get better as he goes. I've heard that in training he's done really well and they've been really impressed, but in games it just hasn't come together for him. It might take a little bit of time, but knowing Taki he's a guy who has so much drive and will find a way to get better every day. It'll only be a matter of time."

Minamino made 199 appearances for Salzburg, scoring 64 goals and creating a further 44.