Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended his midfield options amidst the increasing transfer rumours.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for a midfielder this summer, but Klopp defended his midfield options as well as breaking his silence on the Jude Bellingham interest.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has plenty of admirers and is likely to move next summer for a big-money fee.
Currently in Thailand, their pre-season tour of Asia kicks off against Manchester United in a friendly in Bangkok on Tuesday.
Klopp: "This is actually only my second time in Thailand; the first time was a flight to Sydney and an hour in Phuket in the airport. So, my first proper time in Thailand. I heard so many good things about it and I can’t wait to experience it a little bit." [LFC] pic.twitter.com/6p7zffqAUj
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) July 10, 2022
However, for now, at least, Klopp is happy with his midfield options. “No [we’re not looking to buy], I can say that.
“I don’t think something will happen in midfield, but you never know. If somebody comes to you and says ‘I want to go…’
“Nobody came to me yet, but if that happens then we have to talk [about] new [players]. But if the situation stays like it is, then tell me why?
“I know all these things, that we don’t score enough goals from midfield, this and that, but what do we want? This ‘Golden Cow’ that is producing absolutely everything, milk as well!
Focused 👌 #LFCPreSeason pic.twitter.com/DqnAsNDACT
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 11, 2022
Klopp went onto defend his current midfield options – outlining their strength in depth in detail.
Without saying too much on Bellingham, it was clear in his mind that a move next summer is more likely as he described Bellingham as ‘not on the market’
“He’s not on the market, so that’s the first problem with that player. Well, the only problem with that player!
“We can go through it. Where do you want to start? So, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Milner, Keita, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho, Oxlade-Chamberlain.
“Now you tell me what kind of player are we missing? One who is offensive, 1.95m and arrives into the box to head balls in? OK, apart from that!
“So where is the need for a midfielder? The day when somebody comes to me and tells me why exactly.”
Jurgen Klopp:
"We should not forget that last season, in the first four games, Harvey Elliott was the best player. He was outstanding." #lfc [goal] pic.twitter.com/Tl79hV7u7F
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) July 11, 2022
Klopp was quick to praise Harvey Elliot’s early season form last year before he suffered a fracture-dislocation£100M+ of his left ankle.
The 19-year-old has featured 20 times for the Reds so far in his career, scoring one goal and assisting two.
“Of course [I value the youngsters highly]. And we should not forget that last season, in the first four games, Harvey Elliott was the best player. He was outstanding.
“Then he had a bad injury, came back, [he was] high, low. Normal for a young player, and normal after a long injury. He looks sharp now, he’s back, and like everybody he needs luck.
