Klopp admits Liverpool are yet to make decision on Brewster

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he is yet to decide on the future of Rhian Brewster, vowing to take his time to help the striker’s development.

Brewster is one of the biggest prospects to have emerged from Liverpool’s prestigious academy in recent years. However, he has only made three appearances for the first team in cup competitions so far.

The striker spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea in the Championship, where he scored 11 goals in 22 games. And Brewster has made himself known again in pre-season with Liverpool, scoring in their first two friendlies.

Despite his potential, Brewster may have to leave on loan again to continue his development. Recent reports suggested Sheffield United were interested in the 20-year-old; Tottenham have also been linked.

However, when asked if Brewster was part of his first team plans ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield, Klopp admitted he is still weighing up his options.

Klopp answered: “At the moment, he is. We will have to see what will happen in the next few weeks or so.

“We want to use Rhian and want to help Rhian as well, so that’s why we have to make decisions, but not now.

“He looks really promising. Goals are the most important thing in the football world and obviously he can score goals.

“He’s still a young boy. Especially in his position, as a number nine, up front, experience helps a lot.

“We have to see how we can give him experience. Is it here or is it somewhere else?

“I only mention it because it’s not decided yet. There’s absolutely no reason to rush anything.

“He’s our boy and for now at the moment he’s here, he’ll be involved in the squad tomorrow, that’s for sure, and that’s it.”

Klopp also told his press conference that he is not considering Saturday’s match against Arsenal as a friendly, despite many judging the Community Shield to be just that.

The Liverpool boss should have a strong squad at his disposal, after revealing Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Xherdan Shaqiri all look “good” to feature.

Harry Wilson and Virgil Van Dijk should also be available to Klopp. However, the German tactician admitted that he will have to wait until the day of the match to decide if Trent Alexander-Arnold can play.

The right-back is “very close” to fitness, Klopp said, but no decision will be made until Saturday.

Liverpool will be looking to beat FA Cup winners Arsenal to get their hands on the Community Shield. The Reds lost on penalties to Manchester City in last season’s curtain-raiser.

KLOPP REBUFFS WIJNALDUM QUESTIONS

Elsewhere in his press conference, Klopp refused to shed light on any developments with Georginio Wijnaldum’s contract situation.

The Dutch midfielder’s deal expires next summer, and Barcelona are interested in him. But Klopp was giving nothing away when asked for an update.

“That’s an open contract situation, obviously. Otherwise, you would know,” Klopp said.

“And that means we don’t talk about that. I never did in press conferences so why should I change that?”

Read more…