Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool press conference: transfer latest and Andy Robertson’s potential return vs Chelsea

Jurgen Kopp has been speaking to the media ahead of Lverpool’s Premier League clash against title-rivals Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday (17.30).

The Reds are looking to continue their perfect start to the season but face a high-quality outfit in Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Here are the five key points that came out of the press conference.

Quiet end to the transfer window

Liverpool’s summer business has been low key, with Ibrahima Konate’s arrival for £36 million from RB Leipzig the only signing made.

In contrast, Manchester City have signed Jack Grealish for £100 million while Saturday’s opponents Chelsea splashed out £97.5 million on Romelu Lukaku,

But with only four days of the transfer window remaining, Klopp doesn’t envisage a frenetic ending at Anfield.

He said: “Do I expect a busy four days for us? Not really, to be honest. But you never know, that’s how it is.

“The options didn’t get worse for some teams, that’s clear but there are so many different reasons and many ways to win a football game.

“It’s not all about bringing in new players. We brought in Ibrahima Konate, who cost money and was not a bargain.

“All these offensive, attacking players other clubs are signing is obviously something they thought they need and had the resources.

“We won’t use that as any excuse in any game. We have other things we can build on, we are together for a while and in this specific game play at home which much be an advantage.

“I see the news when other clubs sign a player but I have no time to think how will they line up. When we play them, we’ll think about that and that’s enough.”

Not signing for sake of things

The one area that some fans would still like to see Liverpool add to their squad is in midfield.

Gini Wijnaldum played 51 games last season - the joint-most in the squad - but hasn’t been replaced after his exit to Paris Saint-Germain.

Not for the first time, though, Klopp was at pains to insist that the Reds won’t sign another centre-midfielder for the sake of it.

He said: “Gini played an incredible amount of games for us. He’s a top player and not only on the pitch do we miss him, but in the dressing room.

“We have players with great skills. Harvey [Elliott] isn’t the saviour of our midfield problem because we don’t have one, but if Gini was still here then Harvey wouldn’t have played [against Burnley] and he played well.

“Curtis Jones is 20 years old and played 15-20 games last season. He can, will and has to make the next step.

“There is no need just to buy a midfielder because someone is on the market. I cannot help supporters who want us to sign a player just to get one in. If you’re really with us, there is no real need.

“If there was one player who could really improve us, we would go for it, I promise.

Left-back decision

Andy Robertson has continued his recovery from the ankle injury he picked up in pre-season.

The Scot was on the bench for last week’s defeat of Burnley, but had to watch Kostas Tsimikas’ impressive display while deputising.

Klopp has a selection decision on his hands - but is delighted with both options on the left-hand side of defence.

He said: “There is no battle. The players don’t battle each other, it’s about who is in good shape.

“I’m really happy how Kostas performed in the first two games and pre-season.

“He had a really tough first year at Liverpool. I told him nothing was intentional and planned to bring in a Greek player and not play him all year.

“Kostas had to adapt, he got injured, got COVID then our defence had to change pretty much every week. Bringing in a left-back who hadn’t played a lot would have been difficult.

“Robo has been in training early enough to be in the squad since last week. No-one would rush Robo back.

“We have two really good left-backs and that was always the idea. It is a really special position and Millie (James Milner) had to play there more often than he wanted.

“Robo is an animal, he works incredibly hard and having both options this year will be great.

“Both will have games this year if there are injuries, which I hope there isn’t. Battle is the wrong word, they have to train as good as they can and make sure I have a decision to make.”

Ronaldo situation

There has been plenty of talk about Cristiano Ronaldo’s expected return to England, with Manchester City looking his likely destination.

Klopp’s avidly been keeping track of developments as a supporter rather than a manager.

He said: “I’ve watched that like a football supporter. I have no more knowledge about it - maybe you have more than I have.

“It’s not about me to judge. If other clubs can do things like this, it’s not a business [decision] for the future, it’s for now and immediately.

“That’s how some clubs are working and that’s absolutely fine. But there must be different ways for two and three years later for us.

“It’s really nice if you can win trophies but even with the best squad in the world, it’s not possible every year.

“If that’s not possible you need to make sure you develop as a team and a club. That’s what we did, that’s what we do and the rest isn’t in our hands.”

Banned internationals explained

Liverpool have prohibited Alisson, Fabinho, Roberto Firmino (all Brazil) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt) from linking up with their respective nations during the international break that starts next week.

Both countries are on the UK’s Covid red zone list, meaning anyone who enters from those areas must quarantine in a hotel for 10 days - even if double vaccinated.

Klopp explained why the Reds have joined forced with the rest of the Premier League to take such action.

He said: “In this case, it’s different because England have different rules and if you come back from a red list country, you have to quarantine in a hotel. It’s not a spa, it’s eating and waiting and sleeping.

“As clubs, we cannot do that. Not just because we play games but, not being positive, they lose 10 days of training.

“You lose muscle and you have to start training and do different stuff. It’s a real risk for the boys if they play football have to play immediately again after.

“The government didn’t give exemption for footballers, even if fully vaccinated. The situation is like it is and the players cannot go.”

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