Jurgen Klopp is confident Takumi Minamino has “the perfect mindset” to succeed at Liverpool.
Minamino had arguably his most impressive performance since arriving at Anfield when playing more than an hour in the 3-1 win at Newcastle United on Sunday’s final day of the season.
The Japan international, playing on the left wing, was making only his second Premier League start following his £7.25million move from Red Bull Salzburg in January.
And Klopp believes Minamino is starting to find his feet in his new surrounds.
“It’s all good,” said the Reds boss. “We are completely fine.
“Trying to find a player who could come into a team like this and improve the team as if it was nothing is not possible for anybody.
“Taki has the perfect mindset for it. He is happy at the moment, I’m sure his ambitions are big and he wants to play more often, but he has needed time.
“Time was needed by everybody in this squad. Okay, Virgil (van Dijk) came in pretty much from the first day. All the others needed time but had most of the time in pre-season.
Listen to the Newcastle 1-3 Liverpool Post-Game podcast by clicking HERE
“Sadio (Mane) had a pre-season and Mo (Salah) had a pre-season. Taki didn’t.
"He came in and just had to play and that’s why it wasn’t easy.”
Minamino has yet to register a goal or an assist in 14 outings, but came close when a fierce drive was turned behind by Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
And when told of the forward’s lack of numbers, Klopp said: “I’m not at all disappointed. Coming into this team is a big ask.
“The boys are used to everything, to each other and the way we play, especially up front where they have had the last three years together.
“It takes time and for Taki it takes time.
“I liked his game today, he was really lively between the lines, he did exactly what we wanted him to do, he set the tone for the counter-press. A lot of good things.
“In terms of not scoring, he twice came really close today again, the goalie made a brilliant save and another player made a block.”
