Press Conference Analysis: Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp discusses Coutinho, Hoffenheim and transfer deadlines

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As may have been expected, it may have been Liverpool’s first Champions League press conference since 2014 but all that most journalists were interested in was the future of Philippe Coutinho. When asked about the Brazilian, Klopp remained focused on the players who are available to him. Klopp is quoted by the likes of the Liverpool Echo and the Mirror as saying:

“There’s nothing to say about it. I really understand everybody is interested in it, but at this moment I’m not thinking about it. I will answer questions but I’m not in the car, on the way to this press conference, thinking ‘if they ask this question, what can I say?’ because I have to think about the (training) session in a few minutes. It was always like this. I work with the players I have, I don’t think about the players I don’t have at the moment. If they’re injured, whatever, you cannot change, it’s the same situation for me. I think I’ve said everything you can say about it, if you want to ask do, but I have no more answers.”

Klopp will be without the number ten as he is sidelined by a back injury whilst Daniel Sturridge is also out with a hamstring strain. However, Klopp knows that Liverpool’s German opposition will be tough to beat. He had special praise for 30-year-old manager Julian Nagelsmann and explained his history with the club as he said:

“No-one knows in Liverpool that Hoffenheim is a small city. I’ve known Hoffenheim since 2007/08 when they got promoted instead of Mainz. We were fourth, they were third… I am pleased for my agent because I’m the old horse in the stable and there is a young horse now in Nagelsmann.”

Despite the importance of the fixture, the transfer window remained the focus for many journalists. Amid news that clubs will vote on ending the transfer window before the Premier League season starts in future, Klopp reacted to the proposal by explaining that he would agree with the idea, saying:

“It would have helped us this year (if the window shut when the season started). There is a phenomenon and then people go looking for solutions. It makes sense that when the season is starting, planning for the team is over. But I also understand that some things take a bit more time. The whole market has changed – the behaviour of people.”

Liverpool could clearly still do with some additions to their squad after a disappointing opening day draw against Watford, but having security over the future of stars like Philippe Coutinho once the season is underway would be a massive bonus.