Jurgen Klopp press conference: Gini Wijnaldum replacement, Harvey Elliot plans and Norwich subs

Five crucial bits of information Liverpool fans need to know from Jurgen Klopp’s pre-Norwich City press conference.
Jurgen Klopp speaks to the media ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Norwich City.Jurgen Klopp speaks to the media ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Norwich City.
Jurgen Klopp speaks to the media ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Norwich City.

Jurgen Klopp has spoken to the media ahead of Liverpool’s 2021-22 Premier League curtain-raiser away to Norwich on Saturday.

Here are the five crucial bits of information every fan needs to know from the Reds manager’s pre-match press conference.

Wijnaldum replacement unlikely

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There have been some concerns among Kopites that Liverpool haven’t replaced Gini Wijnaldum.

The Netherlands international opted to run his contract down upon its expiry at the end of last season before joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Wijnaldum was a linchpin during his four years at the Reds, helping the club claim the Champions League and Premier League.

Last campaign, he made 51 appearances for Liverpool - the joint-most along with Mohamed Salah.

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However, Klopp was at pains to insist he doesn’t believe he needs someone to fill the void left by the departure of Wijnaldum.

The Anfield boss reckons he’s got ample cover with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - as well as youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott - as centre-midfield options.

Klopp said: “I loved Gini’s way of playing and how reliable he was but he’s not here anymore.

Jurgen Klopp with Gini Wijnaldum. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesJurgen Klopp with Gini Wijnaldum. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp with Gini Wijnaldum. Picture: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

“Henderson and Thiago have not really been involved in pre-season. We played quite a few games with James Milers, Naby Keita and Harvey.

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“Against Osasuna, we played Oxlade, Fabinho and Curtis Jones. Curtis is another exceptional talent.

“Should a player you’d like to sign score more goals than Gini, defend better than Fab, be more creative than Naby, Curtis, Ox, Harvey?

“We never said we don’t have to improve, we have to improve. To score more goals from midfield positions, you have to create the situations.

“For a midfielder to play for us how we want to play, it’s not that easy and he’s not constantly in goalscoring situations. They have to do different jobs and we have a specific set-up of our team.”

Elliott going nowhere

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Harvey Elliott’s pre-season performances have got plenty of fans excited.

After spending last campaign on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, where he recorded seven goals and 12 assists in 43 games, he’s made his mark in and around the Liverpool first team throughout the summer.

Aged only 18, the Reds could have been tempted to send Elliott out on loan again - this time to a Premier League rival - to garner more regular minutes.

However, Klopp insists the former Fulham playmaker won’t be departing Anfield and will stay around his squad.

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“That’s the plan,” said the boss, when asked if Elliott would be remaining at Liverpool.

“He showed up in an exceptional way.

“He’s not the only one but Harvey is only 18 and the only problem he has is that we don’t treat him like an 18-year-old boy - at least not in training sessions and on the pitch.

“Like all our midfielders, he brings a different dimension to the game. His dribbling is top and his passing range is really good.”

Rivals lavish spending not a surprise

Despite clubs up and down the country haemorrhaging millions of pounds last season, with matches being played behind closed doors amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it hasn't stopped Liverpool's rivals from flexing their financial muscle.

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Man City have spent £100 million on Jack Grealish, Chelsea have purchased Romelu Lukaku for around £97 million and Jadon Sancho cost Manchester United a reported £73 million.

Jack Grealist signed for Manchester City for £100 million from Aston Villa. Picture: Charlotte Tattersall/Getty ImagesJack Grealist signed for Manchester City for £100 million from Aston Villa. Picture: Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images
Jack Grealist signed for Manchester City for £100 million from Aston Villa. Picture: Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

Those figures are no surprise to Klopp, however.

He said: “We all know the situation of Chelsea, City and PSG for example. What United are doing, I'm not sure how exactly they do, but we have our way.

“We are allowed to spend the money that we earn.

“I'm never surprised about the financial power of Chelsea, City or United. I've been in the country long enough to know they always find a solution to do these kind of things.

“We do it our way, we keep the team together.”

More contracts to come

Virgil van Dijk was the latest player to commit his long-term future to Liverpool earlier today, penning a new deal until 2025.

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He follows in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold (2055), Fabinho (2026) and Alisson Becker (2027).

Now Klopp insists there are others who'll follow suit - with Salah and Sadio Mane believed to be the next in line.

Klopp said: "I'm really happy with the news delivered in the past few weeks.

"Others will follow and that's great news. It's not as spectacular as it might seem but if other teams wanted to sign these players, they'd have to pay a lot of money and now we have them.”

Henderson and Thiago set for subs bench

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Klopp confirmed it’s unlikely that Jordan Henderson or Thiago Alcantara will be starting against Norwich.

Henderson only reported back for Liverpool duty at the start of the month after helping England reach the Euro 2020 final.

Thiago, meanwhile, represented Spain at the Euros but recently suffered a minor injury after returning to the Reds.

Klopp said: “The players are all here and we have to make selection calls.

“Hendo and Thiago arrived late to training. Their pre-season started last week and they need it because we prepare for a lot of games.”