Jurgen Klopp eyes Luis Diaz as new target in ‘absolutely horrible’ confession
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reflected on Luis Diaz’s injury and explained why he misses the Colombian winger so badly.
Jurgen Klopp has explained exactly what Liverpool have been missing from Luis Diaz as the winger prepares to continue his recovery from a serious injury.
Diaz missed 31 games after suffering a knee problem in October that eventually required surgery when the situation worsened on his return to training at the mid-season training camp in Dubai two months later.
Since returning to action a month ago, the Colombia international has been part of all of Liverpool’s winning streaks in their last six games, including the starting XI against Tottenham Hotspur – in which he scored a nice impromptu volley – and Fulham.
Diaz is hoping for another Premier League appearance on Monday at Leicester City as he prepares for his first 90-minute appearance since beating Rangers at home in the Champions League more than six months ago.
And Klopp explained why the 26-year-old’s absence has hit the Reds so hard in a difficult season that has left them with little chance of Champions League qualification. “He’s a natural player,” said the Reds boss. “I love him, absolutely love him. He’s amazing. He’s so smart in football, moves in all the right areas, defends naturally from his position, goal threat, speed, brutal. I have to say a very, very special player. We missed him a lot.
“We also missed Diogo Jota – everyone saw how good he was when he came back. Bobby (Firmino) has a small injury here and there, Darwin (Nunez) is new which of course is very difficult to integrate into a team, especially when you finish situations. The other guys have a lot of moments to create – we haven’t created much, or not enough, or not clearly enough.
“There are a few explanations for our situation, but you have to take life as it is and make the most of it, and that’s what you do in football.”
In an interview with Premier League Productions, Klopp reflected on Diaz’s return saying: ‘Fantastic’. We’re so excited about it, we’ve always been excited.
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“The thing is he had to sit out after getting injured in the game against Arsenal – a very strange game by the way – and came back when he was in training camp during the World Cup in Dubai, so we all thought, ‘Finally back.’
“He trained exceptionally, absolutely exceptionally, and he just slipped on the grass a bit, felt something, carried on, everything is fine. After training: ‘Yeah, I feel a little bit. Let’s see. ” Another scanner that’s been down for another three months or whatever. Terrible, absolutely terrible.
Also..
Liverpool identify ideal Roberto Firmino replacement; Aston Villa, Newcastle could scupper…
Liverpool have joined Newcastle and Aston Villa in the pursuit of AS Roma centre-forward Tammy Abraham, according to reports.
The 24-year-old has, overall, enjoyed his time in the Serie A after leaving Chelsea in 2021. Now, he is being heavily linked with a return to the Premier League.
Abraham will not come cheap, though, with Roma slapping a sizeable price tag on the England international.
The 25-year-old proved to be an instant hit under Jose Mourinho last season. He managed to score 27 goals in his debut campaign and helped Roma win the UEFA Europa Conference league.
However, this season, he has struggled to replicate his previous form. So far, he has scored nine goals and made seven assists in the Serie A.
Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp reportedly sees Abraham as a potential replacement for Roberto Firmino, who will leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer.
The Brazilian has big boots to fill, but Abraham has proved he can be a clinical goal scorer when he’s in top form. So, it will be interesting if they make a concrete move for him at the end of the season.
READ MORE: ‘He’s not pulling up trees…’ Ian Wright defends Man Utd flop; makes Darwin Nunez comparison
Klopp considering Abraham swoop
According to reports coming out of Spain (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool are ready to enter the race for Abraham this summer.
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Aston Villa were thought to be leading the race for the striker, while Newcastle are also in the race. But, there could still be some twists in the upcoming transfer window.
Indeed, Liverpool could look to bring in a new centre-forward this summer, given they are set to lose Firmino.
Firmino will turn 32 this year, but he has still scored nine goals and made four assists this season, so there’s no doubt his departure will leave a gap in the Reds’ squad.
Klopp does have the likes of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, and arguably Cody Gakpo who could play in his position. But, a quality striker signing certainly wouldn’t go amiss.
Abraham could be a good option. But, he doesn’t really share too many characteristics with Firmino, given he is more of a target man than a pressing forward.
Nevertheless, Klopp reportedly sees him as a good option. As mentioned, he won’t be cheap signing, but won’t be mega-bucks, either.
Roma are thought to have slapped a £40m price tag on Abraham, so Liverpool will have to put their money where their mouth is to get a deal over the line.
But, if Abraham has a similar impact on Liverpool to the one he had at Roma in his debut season, he will be worth every penny