Klopp refuses to dismiss Coutinho talk; reveals approach to transfers

Jurgen Klopp refused to rule out a last-gasp swoop for Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho at his Melwood press conference on Thursday.

Brazil star Coutinho has been linked with Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool this summer, but any move to England now looks highly unlikely with today’s 5pm transfer deadline approaching.

Liverpool boss Klopp always said this summer would not be a huge one for incoming transfers with only youngsters Sepp Van Den Berg and Harvey Elliott added, plus back-up goalkeeper Adrian, and at his pre-Norwich press conference he was asked about re-signing Coutinho.

“No answer on whether we were offered the chance to bring in Coutinho,” said Klopp.

“We don’t make big comments on these things. It’s the same answer that it is not very likely for us to do something, we will see.

“I think Everton are more busy. Our window was about checking options, thinking about it and making decisions.

“This is how we do it, always. If nothing happens then it was not the right option for us. We won’t make signings just to sign somebody, that’s it.”

Liverpool will get the Premier League season under way when they host Norwich in Friday night’s fixture, and while the European champions are overwhelming favourites against newly-promoted opposition on home turf,  Klopp said nothing could be taken for granted.

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jurgen Klopp. Presser due to start at 1pm. #LFC pic.twitter.com/10uCWd1otu

— Richard Garnett 🇬🇧 (@garnster) August 8, 2019

“The first game of the season is always difficult,” he said. “Norwich have a clear plan and they have all my respect.

“These fixtures are always the banana skins. If you are not at 100% you will slip.”

Sadio Mane, who shared the Premier League’s Golden Boot with team-mate Mo Salah last season, will be available for the match after his late return from a busy summer, but Klopp is yet to make a decision.

Mane only returned to the club on Monday, missing last weekend’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City at Anfield.

“He only had two weeks off so he didn’t lose a lot which is the good news and he looks fit,” Klopp said.

“Wednesday was the first session and now he’s been with the team for the first time and he’s in good spirits.

“He’s an option but we will see.”