Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool’s struggles in the transfer window have nothing to do with the players not wanting to join the club.
The Reds boss has, in fact, explained that his main targets had been convinced to make the switch, only for other factors to make those deals impossible.
New signings between now and the transfer deadline are still on the cards, although Klopp has reiterated just how happy he is with the squad he already has at his disposal.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, he told Liverpoolfc.com: “We convinced all the players we spoke to, we didn’t have to tell them ‘maybe we’ll play Champions League’.”
“But it’s not about us, it’s not about money sometimes, sometimes it’s just possible or not possible. Until August 31, that’s how the business is: a lot of things are really possible, ins and outs. That’s how it is.”
“I’ve said it a few times, if the transfer window closed tomorrow, it is like it is and I’m happy with it.”
“Just to say, in the Champions League game Divock Origi was not in the squad. He has nothing wrong, that just shows how big the quality already is. That’s just one example. Other players were also not in the squad.”
“And I’ve also said it before, Andrew Robertson showed up against Crystal Palace. Before he showed up, I think everybody thought ‘Robertson from Hull?’ and now think ‘Oh my God, he’s really strong!’ I’m completely fine and happy with him.”
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“Dominic Solanke showed everything you want to see from a new player in a really short time. Mo Salah, we don’t have to talk about this.”
“James Milner plays in midfield again, that’s like a transfer for us. Alberto Moreno plays left-back again in an outstanding [way].”
With deals for RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita and Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk failing to materialise, despite both showing a desire to move to Anfield, it remains to be seen who the Reds will now turn to.
Bolstering the spine of the team was a priority at the beginning of the summer and could still be something Klopp looks to do by adding another central midfielder.
It’s been frustrating, but the German could still have a surprise up his sleeve.