Klopp reacts to Liverpool owner’s interview about transfer plans; ‘surprised’ by Firmino decision

Joe Williams
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp points to the sky

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists that the sustainable model the club is following under John W Henry is the “right” one after the Reds owner gave an interview earlier this week.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Henry informed fans that they “remain fully committed to the long-term success of the club” as they continue to seek investment in the club.

The owners have sometimes been accused of not putting enough money into the first-team squad with other top Premier League clubs spending more in some transfer markets.

But Henry is not willing to jeopardise the long-term future of the club, he said: “We continue building at Liverpool Football Club in a responsible manner.

“We’ve seen many football clubs (including LFC previously) go down unsustainable paths. We have and will continue to focus our attention on investing wisely in the transfer market and we remain incredibly proud of our squad.

“At the same time we continue investing in our training facilities, our main stand and currently the Anfield Road stand. These are all physical reflections of our resolve and how very seriously Fenway Sports Group takes its responsibilities for this great club.”

Reacting to Henry’s comments, Liverpool boss Klopp said: “It’s nothing to do with names or players. John is right. The players we brought in last couple of transfer windows, Luis [Diaz], Darwin [Nunez] and Cody [Gakpo] , players in the first line.

“Sadio [Mane], Bobby [Firmino] and Mo [Salah] were for a while best front line in football. Mo is now left pretty much, and Diogo [Jota] came in as well in that time. That’s investment.”

Roberto Firmino announced last week that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season and Klopp admits that he was “a little” surprised.

Klopp told reporters on Friday: “Surprised? A bit. I respect it a lot. Normal in this long relationship we have. It’s pretty special and I love the reception he got against Man Utd. He wants to bring this wonderful story to a positive end. The song will be here for a long time.”

Liverpool thrashed Manchester United 7-0 at the weekend and they are now just three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

On the top-four race, Klopp added: “We have to chase and challenge everyone. The main thing is going to Bournemouth and playing a game there. I watched the way they play and it can be really uncomfortable for teams.

“We might fight for the Champions League spots but the fight for staying in the league is just as exciting. I’m sure Bournemouth will fight like crazy.”

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