Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp believes attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho is still a prominent member of his squad and can perform creditably well after his transfer window disappointment.
The former Dortmund boss said after the 25-year-old playmaker’s failed attempt to force a move to La Liga giant FC Barcelona.
Brazilian Coutinho and Dortmund winger Ousmane Dembele were FC Barcelona’s primary transfer targets in the summer after forward Brazil international Neymar Jr. joined big spending Paris Saint Germain.
While the Spanish La Liga club signed Ousmane Dembele, Liverpool turned down all offers for Philippe Coutinho, standing firm on their stance that the Brazilian was not for sale.
On Saturday, sources at Anfield dismissed reports made by Barcelona Sports director Albert Soler, who said the Reds side wanted 200mn euros for the playmaker.
“We (Liverpool) have our situation, and Borrusia Dortmund (with Dembele) has another,” Klopp stated. “Don’t believe everything in the press (media) or that there are offers (bids) here and there (everywhere) and that the minute after the offer (bid) has been entered, it should already be over. We (Liverpool) have exactly the situation we (Liverpool) wanted and no other.”
Philippe Coutinho will return to the Anfield Stadium after his nation Brazil’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Colombia. The playmaker is yet to play for Liverpool this season due to a back problem but might return during the team’s away match at Manchester City in the English Premier League on the 9th of September.
