Monaco summer transfer disappoints: ‘He’s struggling to fit in’
His arrival had been motivated, but he does not meet expectations on the ground.
Recruited this summer from Liverpool, Takumi Minamino (27 years old, 7 games and 1 goal in all competitions this season) has not yet lived up to expectations in the jersey of AS Monaco. In an interview with Nice-Matin, Paul Mitchell said he was not satisfied with the performance of his Japanese striker.
“I must admit that not all (the recruits) give me the same degree of satisfaction,” began the ASM sports director, revealing the good performances of Breel Embolo, Mohamed Camara and Malang Sarr. “Takumi Minamino is the one who is having the most difficulty integrating at the moment. You have to be patient. I hope that his goal against Reims will bring many others.”
“It’s paradoxical because he is the oldest player on this list, continues the Monegasque leader, while remaining optimistic. He must acclimatize mentally and physically. He needs rhythm. We know that he is a good player. He shone in Salzburg, a great experience in the Champions League, comes from Liverpool where he scored important goals and Jürgen Klopp has always had very complimentary words about him. We are working to give him back that relaxation that is currently lacking to his game. He is 27 years old, he is reaching the peak of his career, there is no doubt about his abilities.”