Takumi Minamino Liverpool
Takumi Minamino admits he is unsure where his future lies come the end of the season. The Japan international is currently on loan at Saints from Liverpool, having joined the south coast club in February. He has featured six times for his new club, scoring twice. Discussing his move to Saints
Takumi Minamino said: “I had a lot of things on my mind to put things into perspective. But yes, it didn’t take long to make a decision and tell (Liverpool) that I wanted to go. It was like just packing my bags with minimum stuff and get into the car and leave. To be honest I wouldn’t want to go through that again. But, yes, maybe it was a good experience. I was happy when I got the offer. I knew the manager from his time at Leipzig, and when we spoke on the phone he said he knew me, so that helped a lot. I wanted to get more playing time. I knew that if I didn’t make an immediate impact, it wouldn’t be good for the team or me. I think it’s fair to say that there was some pressure. But I tried not to think about it too much.”
Minamino scored on his Saints debut, starting in a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle United.
Takumi Minamino said: “I think it was the third day after I joined, but I had to show something. Looking back now, scoring a goal did take some weight off my shoulders and made me feel like I belong here. I’m hoping it will be a good experience (at Saints), but I also feel I need to make a mark here. I’m not aware of what other people are saying, things might be said because I’m from Liverpool, but I don’t read any of it at all. Personally, I get on really well with my teammates, I like the environment and most importantly, I’m getting game time which gives me the most satisfaction as a footballer. I am focusing on the present and what I can do now. I’m a footballer so I don’t know where I’ll be playing in six months’ time, but I want to be playing at a high level.”
