05 November 2023 , 19:24
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Jurgen Klopp put Luis Diaz's goal in perspective after the Colombian returned to save Liverpool from defeat against Luton Town.
Diaz missed the last two Liverpool games after the kidnap of his parents. While the forward's mother has been returned safe, negotiations are continuing over the return of his father, and Klopp made it clear the safe return of the 26-year-old's father was the most important thing.
Diaz paid tribute to his father after heading home a stoppage-time equaliser, lifting his shirt to reveal the message 'Libertad Para Papa' (freedom for dad). And after the game, Klopp was full of praise for the star after a crucial goal which helped the Reds stay in touch with those at the top of the Premier League table.
"A wonderful moment but it doesn't change the situation," Klopp told Sky Sports. "Most important thing is that his father gets released.
"It is wonderful he wanted to be here. That's it, for us a super important goal and for him very important and yes very emotional, but that's it."
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"He can always do that," Klopp added when asked about DIaz's capability with the ball. "When he is on the pitch he is always involved in special things.
"So yeah, of course we knew he knew he would be a threat, we didn't know exactly how long he would play because he only had a few sessions with the team but that is not the most important part today. He scored the goal, that's wonderful, but we need to see some improvement in Colombia."
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Luis Diaz shared a message for his father after scoring at Luton (AFP via Getty Images)Goalkeeper Alisson also hailed his team-mate after the display. He also made reference to the way football helped him through a "really difficult moment" of his own, in comments which appeared to reference the death of his own father.
"It says a lot about his character, about his inner strength," Alisson said. "I think not many people can imagine what he is going through now.
"Even as we are close to him, of course, we are supporting him, we feel his pain, but for him it's a different level. Football sometimes in dark moments can bring joy to people, can bring joy to somebody who is struggling, and I think football is bringing a slice of joy to Lucho at this time.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson also paid tribute to Diaz (Shaun Brooks/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)"We are together with him for whatever he needs, to take his time. He came, trained, came to the game, scored a fantastic goal for us that was really important, and we are with him 100 percent.
"Football always surprises, in a good way sometimes. It happened with me when I was going through a really difficult moment. It happened today, it happened other times for other people.
I think when you are on the pitch you are focused on doing the job. I think he was focused on doing this, trying to help the team get the points, and he did it for us.