Origi Unhappy on the Bench, Frustrated by Lack of Game Time

Sometimes all it takes is a trip with the national team for a player to open up and tell you what they really think. The likes of Luis Suarez, Christian Benteke and Fernando Torres have all got a bit too chatty with the press when they were away from the watchful gaze of the club and Divock Origi has proved that he’s no exception.

“Obviously, I would like to play – no-one is happy being a sub,” said the Belgian striker, who remains firmly behind compatriot Romelu Lukaku in the national squad and outside of the starting eleven for the Reds. “I don’t think I am far from a starting place in a top club but I have to continue to work,” explained Origi, speaking to the press ahead of the World Cup qualifier with Greece on Saturday. “I would like to be a a player Liverpool who rely on. My future, we will see at the end of the season but I can tell you one thing: I am hungry.”

After ending last season strong, the 21-year old looked set to play a big role for Liverpool this season, but the addition of Sadio Mane over the summer has saw the Reds attack re-shaped with the pacey Senegalese winger joined up top by Brazilian duo Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho. Although he’s made 25 Premier League appearances this season, almost 75% percent of them have come from the bench — and, when you take that in to account, his haul of 4-goals and 3-assists thus far doesn’t look too bad, but he’s made it clear that he wants more opportunities to shine.

“Last season, we were in four competitions so it was easier to have game time,” mused the striker, hinting at his fine form as Liverpool reached the Europa League final. “Now, there is only the league. I have already known such situations and the experience helps me stay positive Sometimes it is frustrating not being on the pitch but I believe in my ablities,” added Origi, going on to reveal what his relationship with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is like.“We speak every now and then. OK, I don’t ask him directly why I am not playing, but we speak. He knows my potential. Jurgen Klopp is someone positive, who has lots of footballing intelligence.”