Liverpool players annoyed Jurgen Klopp as Arne Slot looks to avoid awkward repeat

Jurgen Klopp once expressed his disappointment over the squad's failure to fully utilise Takumi Minamino before his eventual sale - a situation Arne Slot will be keen to avoid with new boy Federico Chiesa.

Minamino, who was the lone signing in Liverpool's January 2020 transfer window from Red Bull Salzburg, struggled to secure a regular spot at Anfield. His record stood at 55 appearances and 14 goals.

Klopp, who brought Minamino to the club , openly shared his frustration about the player's lack of integration. Two years on, the winger who had helped Liverpool to Premier League glory was offloaded to Monaco, a move that didn't sit well with Klopp.

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With Chiesa arriving as Liverpool's only major summer acquisition - aside from Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is set to join in 2025 - there might be concerns about his ability to gel with the team. It's now up to Slot to ensure Chiesa doesn't face the same fate as Minamino.

Reflecting on Liverpool's 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2020, Klopp remarked after the game: "Takumi had a really good game. We could have used him much more often. "If Neco (Williams) sees him once or twice he was completely free at the edge (of the box), he shot the cross more or less. If he'd seen him, it would have helped."

This pattern of underutilisation clearly troubled Klopp and may have contributed to Minamino's exit from Liverpool in 2022. "His contribution far outweighs the opportunities we were able to give, in terms of starting matches," Klopp admitted.

"He made us better each and every day he was with us - perfect attitude, winner’s mentality. His achievements here will stand the test of time.

"I'm sure there will be those who think it didn't quite work out (at Liverpool). I don't accept that. An amazing professional. A super talented player. As a person, he is full of warmth and makes everyone feel positive. A manager's dream, to be honest."

Despite Klopp's disagreement, there's a possibility that Chiesa, another solo arrival, might struggle to settle if he doesn't adapt to his new environment. Slot himself is a newcomer this season, which could potentially aid the Italian winger in getting off to a good start.