Klopp believes he can work magic on German star
LIVERPOOL: Jurgen Klopp is confident he will convince in-form German international midfielder Emre Can to sign a new long-term contract at Liverpool.
Can scored a spectacular winning goal last Monday in a 1-0 victory at Watford that greatly improved Klopp’s chances of leading Liverpool to a top-four finish in his first full season in charge at Anfield.
However, with one year remaining on his current deal, 23-year-old Can’s form has attracted admiring glances from a number of rival clubs across Europe.
Klopp, preparing for an important home game against Southampton, is confident however Can will reject any external overtures and pledge his future to the club.
“After his bicycle kick, probably everyone wants him to stay,” said Klopp.
“I think it is no secret how much I like Emre.
“He likes the club and that is a completely normal situation. We are in talks and there is absolutely no pressure, it is all good.
“It is two partners with big respect for each other.
“If we can keep good players that makes sense for development and he is one of these good players. I am quite positive.”
Can’s late-season form has been helped by finally recovering from a persistent calf injury that plagued him for much of the campaign.
Klopp believed his goal at Watford was reward for his hard work in regaining full fitness.
“He’s watched it on the iPad about 250 times,” joked Klopp.
“The player scores a fantastic goal and we speak about him the week after.
“The goal was so important and so deserved. He is a hard-working boy, it was never any different. He always had a fantastic attitude which is what I liked most.
“The plan is to make a more simple goal in the next game.’ — AFP