Klopp criticises managers who only use transfer market

Daniel Storey

Jurgen Klopp says that Liverpool are interested in players, but has criticised the transfer market-only approach that other managers use.

Liverpool have identified Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk as their primary targets, but will not pursue other options if they don’t come off.

Instead, Klopp will look to improve the players he already has at his disposal.

“I don’t go into training thinking ‘oh my God, is it still them?'” Klopp said.

“Nobody thinks anymore about the development and improvement of the players you already have.

“It’s all about signings. It’s all about the transfer market. I understand that’s an important part of the year, but if you can’t do the first job then you would have a real problem.

“I am fine so far. We are still looking, of course, but I think we can play better football than last season with the team we already have.

“We were fourth last year. Maybe this year we can be third. But what I do know is that we can play better football. We need a change here and there – and those things will happen – but it’s not the main thing to do.

“The main job is to work with the players I already have.”