Klopp: 'The win over Nottingham was the hardest to prepare for'

Coach Jurgen Klopp shared the difficulties in preparing for the Liverpool - Nottingham match, after learning that striker Luis Diaz's father and mother were kidnapped.

"The preparation for the match against Nottingham was the hardest thing I've ever experienced," Klopp said after the 3-0 win in round 10 of the Premier League on the evening of October 29. "I didn't expect it and I didn't prepare for it. I didn't want the match to be bigger, but it was."

Klopp also admitted that he could not do much to help Diaz and his family. The only thing he and the other players could do was fight for the Colombian striker and win three points.

Diaz (second from right) and family members in 2019. Photo: Instagram — Diaz (second from right) and family members in 2019. Photo: *Instagram*

In the 31st minute, after opening the scoring, Diogo Jota ran to the touchline to take Diaz's No. 7 shirt and held it up in a show of support. Klopp said Liverpool needed to add more meaning to the game and Jota's gesture was truly touching. "I played for him," Jota added. "I showed him his shirt to show him that we are with him. We hope everything will be okay."

Diaz's parents were kidnapped on the evening of October 28 while driving home in the town of Barrancas, in the Colombian province of La Guajira. Upon hearing the news, Diaz immediately returned to his hometown with several Liverpool employees. Police and the military were mobilized to search for them. Diaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was later rescued, but his father, Luis Manuel, is still missing. Police have offered a $50,000 reward for information about the victims.

"We are using all the air and ground capabilities of the police, with the support of the Colombian army," said Colombian National Police Director William Salamanca.

According to Justice Minister Francisco Barbosa, Mr. Luis Manuel may have been taken to neighboring Venezuela. They may have asked Colombian President Gustavo Petro for help through diplomatic channels.

Diaz joined Liverpool in January 2022 from FC Porto for $50 million. In the second half of the 2021-2022 season, he contributed significantly to the team's achievements in winning the FA Cup, the League Cup and reaching the Champions League final. Last season, due to injury, Diaz only played 21 matches and scored five goals. However, up until the match against Nottingham, the 26-year-old winger had played 11 matches and scored three goals this season.

After the win over Nottingham, Liverpool ranked fourth in the Premier League with 23 points after 10 rounds. They are only three points behind leaders Tottenham, one point behind Arsenal and Man City.

Thanh Quy (according to Daily Mail, Metro )

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