Klopp hints at more signings
Reds boss insists squad have 'quality' even if there are no new additions
| LIVERPOOL | ARSENAL |
Juergen Klopp stressed Liverpool have done all they can to make signings in this window, but admitted that there could be more activity at Anfield before next week's deadline.
The Reds have been one of the quietest of those who finished in the Premier League's top seven last term, with just Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah, fullback Andrew Robertson and young striker Dominic Solanke being brought in.
They have been frustrated in their pursuits of RB Leipzig's Naby Keita and Southampton's Virgil van Dijk due to the respective clubs' reluctance to sell.
They have until next Thursday to add to their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Klopp does not see Champions League qualification as a major aid for them in the window's closing stages, with the German adamant his club are not to blame for the fact certain details are yet to materialise.
"All the players we spoke to we convinced," the German said. "We didn't have to tell them, 'Maybe we play Champions League', and we don't have to call them and say, 'By the way, we play Champions League now'.
"It's not about us, it's not about money, sometimes it's just possible or not possible.
"Until Aug 31, a lot of things are really possible, in and out. If the transfer window closed tomorrow, I'm happy with it.
"Divock Origi was not in the squad (against Hoffenheim on Wednesday), he has done nothing wrong, it just shows how big the quality already is.
It's not about us, it's not about money, sometimes it's just possible or not possible. Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp, on the transfer situation
"Andrew Robertson showed up against Crystal Palace - before everyone thought, 'Robertson from Hull?'. Now they think he is really strong.
"Dominic Solanke showed everything you want from a new player in a really short term, Mo Salah we don't have to talk about this, James Milner plays in midfield again, that's for us like a transfer. Alberto Moreno played again at left back and was outstanding.
"We will see what happens. I'm happy at the moment, will I be happy on the 31st? Not sure. Will I be happier? It's possible."
Those emotions may hinge on whether they can hang on to Philippe Coutinho, with Barcelona's interest lingering despite Liverpool having turned down three bids.
A back injury and illness have kept Coutinho, who has already lodged a transfer request, out of action so far, but that has not prevented Brazil from calling up the 25-year-old for the coming World Cup qualifiers.
"He's on our injury list, that hasn't changed," Klopp added.
"I was not in contact so far with the Brazilian FA, but the rules are if they want to see him and check him, then he has to go there. I don't know but I think that will happen."
Coutinho will not feature when Liverpool host Arsenal tomorrow, hoping to continue their fine record against the EPL's top sides under Klopp.
In top-flight meetings against the two Manchester clubs, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea last year, the Reds won five and drew five.
Yet Klopp, wary of his team's results against lower-half clubs last term, stressed it is too early to predict how well either Liverpool or Arsenal's season will pan out.
"At this moment, it looks like Man United will be champions without conceding a goal and missing a point, the rest is already decided," he said with a smile.
"It's not about one game being more important than the other.
"Last year, we had an outstanding record against the top six, but we didn't take many points against the rest of the league, so we thought it makes sense to do that one thing (record against the top six) again and to get a few more points from all the other games." - PA SPORT
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