CAN HITS BACK AT CRITICS
Reds midfielder says money is not everything for him
LONDON end of the season but the prospect of him improving his £35,000-per-week (RM190terms was initially raised last summer.
It has been reported that Can is asking for £100,000 per week — a figure that would be far in excess of Liverpool's valuation — but he insisted that was not the case. Talks have been placed on hold.
Can maintains dialogue will reopen once the campaign is over, explaining that the priority is securing Liverpool’s place in the Champions League.
“I read it was about money but it isn’t,” said Can, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2014.
“We’ve had a few good meetings and everything is fine. I am happy at Liverpool. You never know what will happen in football but I am happy and still contracted here.
“Everything is fine and I just wanted to say it is never about the money. It is about the future, what happens. The last few months, the most important thing has been that I am pain-free (from a calf issue) and we have spoken more about that than the contract.
“We will speak in the next few weeks and months and see what happens. I want to play injuryfree. The meetings are with my agent but I am very happy at Liverpool. In the future I can play for many years at Liverpool.”
Having enjoyed an upturn in fortunes when Jurgen Klopp arrived at the club last season, Can's form has been erratic this time around with his performance against Burnley an indicator of how much he has swung from one extreme to another.
He had been poor in the first 45 minutes but emerged as a key figure in a crucial 2-1 victory. The 23year-old has put his inconsistent form down to an injury in his calf that has prevented him from being able to run at times during games.
“I know I could do much better in the past,” said Can. “I’ve had a few calf problems but I kept going and I played. Maybe it was not good that I played and did not have a break but the last few weeks were better and I feel strong again.
“I’ve had calf problems for many years and it has been very difficult for me because I’ve played out of position which means more sprints and 10 minutes into the game I’ve not been able to feel my feet in a few games. I didn’t like to go to the press and say ‘I am injured’.
“I didn’t play well when it was my opportunity to play and it was my mistake. I play in a different position now and I don’t sprint too much. Last week (against Arsenal) was good, against Burnley was good and I was pain-free. It has been difficult but it is good again.” Daily Mail
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