"It is incredibly hard for him and for me" - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp opens up on leaving 27-year-old out of the squad

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has outlined the importance of attacker Takumi Minamimo, stating that it is tough for him to leave the Japanese international out of the team for matches.

The Merseysiders have been challenging for multiple trophies this season. Having already won the Carabao Cup against Chelsea, the Reds have now turned their attention towards the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup.

With games coming thick and fast, Klopp has had to make use of the club's incredible squad depth. The Reds have a quality squad and with most players now injury free, the German manager has had to make some tough decisions regarding matchday squads.

The 2020 Premier League champions are particularly blessed in the attacking department and this saw Takumi Minamino completely left out of the matchday squad in their 2-0 win against Brighton.

The 27-year-old Japan international has been in good goalscoring form this season and has scored nine goals across competitions so far.

Speaking on the decision to drop Minamino, Klopp, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, said:

"It is incredibly hard for him and for me as well because it is really tough these kind of things. Taki is in an incredible moment."

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When asked if this was the strongest squad he has ever managed, Klopp said:

"Of course, it is. Funnily enough, apart from Luis, it is the same squad that we had when we started the season. We had this strong squad, they were just unavailable. Now they are available. That makes it the squad that we always wanted to have."

"The finishing line is never straight" - Jurgen Klopp opens up on Liverpool's desire to win trophies

Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League

Liverpool are in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League. They are also just four points behind Manchester City in the Premier League with a game in hand.

Speaking about the club's chances of winning multiple trophies this year, Klopp said:

"If you reach March in an interesting part of the table, in the quarter-finals, in all the competitions, then it looks like it could be a really good season.

"Being there, being ready for the fight of your life is a challenge.But the boys are greedy in a good way and hopefully they can get something from it.

"The finishing line is never straight and you never go over it at full speed, you limp over it. But as long as you make it, it is all good."

The Reds face Arsenal in an absolutely crucial Premier League encounter on Wednesday night. The Gunners are in good form and have won their last five Premier League games.

Jurgen Klopp's men will have to be at their best if they are to secure all three points from the Emirates on Wednesday. The equation is simple for them - win all their remaining league matches and be crowned as Premier League champions.