Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp explains talks with FSG and what Liverpool will do in summer transfer window

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp explains talks with FSG and what Liverpool will do in summer transfer window

Jurgen Klopp met with Fenway Sports Group boss John Henry this week, although the Liverpool manager insisted it was “not like” what fans have come to expect.
FSG founder and Liverpool owner Henry was spotted at the London stadium on Wednesday during the Reds’ 2-1 win over West Ham, sparking speculation.

With the transfer window approaching, it was hinted the 73-year-old would arrive for talks over plans to rebuild Klopp’s squad ahead of a busy summer.
Recruitment would have been the order of the day in a fixture which Klopp described as “good”, but speaking to Sky Sports, the manager said it was “really funny” how far the story stretched.

“I think it’s really funny, which is probably what you expect from a conversation like this,” he said. “[People think] I’m going to sit down and put my ideas on the table and John [says] just, ‘How much does it cost?’ How much does it cost? How much does it cost?’ not like this.

“We have a very good relationship, he’s a very good guy, he takes care of us a lot. “We will do business. And I understand. Football is crazy, that means everyone expects: ‘Liverpool are not doing well, that means they need five, six, seven players’.”

Liverpool are likely to sign a string of new signings in the next transfer window, with a possible two or three in midfield.

But as Klopp continued, he outlined why the club wouldn’t invest the way Chelsea have under new ownership, describing their bloated squad as an “example at the top level that you can’t do it that way”.

“I feel a bit sorry for Chelsea, to be honest, because things aren’t going well,” he added.

“I think it’s a top team, a top team. “But on the other hand, it’s fine. It’s nice to see that you can’t just get the best players together and think things are going to work out.
“You have to build a team, which is what the boys have clearly underestimated and have given their coaches an almost impossible job.

“You can’t have two changing rooms. You can’t train on two pitches. You have to build relationships, you have to build team spirit.

“That’s the only reason I’m a little happy with it. In the end Chelsea will be fine and next year they will be incredibly strong.
“But it’s just an example at the highest level that you can’t do it that way.

“That’s what we won’t do. You have to bring in the right players and build a new team.
“So this team wrote a sensational story, now we are starting a new one. That’s all.”

Liverpool are already writing their next story, with the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and youngsters like Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott forming the nucleus of a ‘new team’.

But when asked if there would be just a few players this summer, Klopp replied: “We’ll see.”

Also.. 

10 essential things to know ahead of Liverpool vs Tottenham 

Tottenham are the visitors on Sunday at Anfield while Liverpool aim for the three points against a European football rival.

Liverpool vs. Tottenham 

The next game at Anfield offers Liverpool the chance to win a fourth successive Premier League game for the second time this season.

In their own way, a Tottenham side have had more managers in the last five weeks than Liverpool in the last 11 years. Here are 10 essential things to know ahead of Liverpool vs Tottenham.

1. Good news about injuries

Having missed out on Liverpool’s win at West Ham as a precaution, Ibrahima Konate could start after Jurgen Klopp said he would ‘come back’.

The other most notable news from the team is that Diogo Jota ‘got a slap on the back’ last time out but ‘should be fine’.

Naby Keita was also mentioned and his manager said he will train on Friday.

Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino and long-term absentees Stefan Bajcetic and Calvin Ramsay are out through injury. 2. Do you expect any changes?

Klopp is expected to stick to his mantra that ‘willingness to counter-press’ is the key attribute in his team selection.

With that in mind, it’s likely that Curtis Jones will keep his place in midfield and Jota will also start if he’s fit.

Both have repaid their manager’s confidence after periods of inactivity in recent weeks. Jordan Henderson or Fabinho could be alternated as Liverpool have played six games in 19 days – Thiago would be the man most likely to replace either midfielder.

Expected XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Salah, Jota, Gakpo

3. Tottenham’s turbulence

While Tottenham showed resilience as they came from behind from 2-0 down to draw Man United on Thursday, the last few months have been a disaster for the most part.

The sacking of Antonio Conte did nothing to improve Tottenham’s form and interim manager Cristian Stellini was sacked when Spurs were humiliated at St James’ Park.
The visitors, who lost 6-1 to Newcastle, were surprisingly 5-0 down within 21 minutes of kick-off. Now Ryan Mason holds the reins until the end of the season and has previously said he feels “ready” to make the job permanent.

4. Injuries affect visitors

Against Man United, Mason opted for a three-way comeback with Clement Lenglet alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero in defence.

While Ivan Perisic provided width from the left, Pedro Porro showed his best game in a Spurs shirt when he netted and played at right-back.
With Fraser Forster replacing Hugo Lloris, Tottenham are left without their injured captain and goalkeeper after being taken off at half-time during the embarrassing spectacle at Newcastle. Adding to Spurs concerns is the absence of Ryan Sessegnon, Yves Bissouma, Emerson Royal and Rodrigo Bentancur, who will all be missing in the Anfield clash.

5. A clean slate

After walking a tightrope in the last two games, Fabinho can finally rest easy knowing he would only be banned from the Premier League with a red card.

The Brazilian started the Reds’ last two games knowing he would face a two-game ban if warned.
However, all nine of Fabinho’s cards have now been erased and should clear the Brazilian for a cynical foul if necessary. It comes at the right time as Klopp said Tottenham have been ‘the best counter-attacking team in Europe for years’ and they still have the players who helped them get there.

6. Do you double?

Liverpool have the opportunity to complete a fourth double in five years against Tottenham after beating them 2-1 in north London in November.

Mo Salah was in the brace himself that day as Liverpool led 2-0 at half-time before Harry Kane pulled one back to make it a nervy finish. While the defense will likely remain the same, just two more outfielders who started at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November will start on Sunday: Salah and Fabinho.

7. Liverpool has Eurovision

With Champions League qualification seemingly out of reach, Liverpool must battle Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Aston Villa for the remaining European places.

The maximum number of points Liverpool can reach is 71, while Brighton can reach 73 – a total that Newcastle and Manchester United could both achieve with two games to spare.

Finishing in fifth or sixth place would be enough to qualify for the Europa League, while seventh would guarantee a first appearance in the UEFA Europa Conference League. 8. Did you know?

If Salah does play, it will be his 300th appearance for Liverpool, more than anyone in the squad apart from Henderson, James Milner and Roberto Firmino.
The Egyptian’s next goal sees him fifth on the club’s all-time top goalscorers list alongside Harry Chambers with 135.

9. Tierney takes over

The referee for this case is Paul Tierney, to whom Klopp once said: “I don’t have a problem with referees, just you.”

Hopefully they both stay out of the headlines this week.
Tierney’s assistants are Richard West and Matthew Wilke, while David Coote is the main VAR.
John Brooks is the fourth official.

10. Follow the game with TIA

Liverpool vs. Tottenham are live on Sky Sports Premier League, starting at 4.30pm (BST).
TIA’s match day live blog will be available from 3:45pm, with Henry Jackson in charge of keeping you busy and up to date.