For Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool's sporting result on Sunday was overshadowed by the situation of Luis Díaz, who returned to the field after the kidnapping of his father in Colombia and did so by avoiding defeat for his club with a goal in a dramatic 1-1 draw at Luton Town in the 11th round of the English Premier League. The Colombian came on in the 83rd minute in place of Ryan Gravenberch and in the fifth minute of added time scored the equaliser for the Reds after heading home a cross into the box from England's Harvey Elliot. Luis Diaz displayed an emotional message on his shirt calling for the release of his kidnapped father: "Freedom for daddy," his message read.
Luis Manuel Diaz, father of the Colombian Liverpool player, was kidnapped a week ago by Colombian guerrillas, specifically by the National Liberation Army (ELN), who after recognising their criminal action assured that they had made a mistake and that they would proceed to release him. However, he is still being held captive awaiting his release. "It was an incredible moment, but it doesn't change the situation," said Jürgen Klopp after Luis Diaz's goal. "The most important thing is that his father is released. It's wonderful to have him here with us," the German manager continued at the post-match press conference at Luton's Kenilworth Road.
Regarding Luis Diaz's contribution in Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Luton Town that kept the Reds third in the Premier League standings this season, Jürgen Klopp stressed the importance of the Colombian midfielder's presence in the team. "It was a super important goal, and for him it's a very emotional thing, but that's it. When Luis is on the pitch he is always involved in special things," said the coach, who stressed that he gave him an introduction in the last minutes of the game with the aim of creating danger and looking for the opposing goal.
After the draw against Luton and the move to the top of the Premier League, there was a harsh criticism from Jamie Carragher which caused pain for Jurgen Klopp and the Anfield faithful: "Liverpool are not ready to win the league. Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool supporters know that right now. They want to get back into the top four. In terms of challenging again, I think they need a holding midfielder and a top-class defender."
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