Klopp happy with defence

– Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp (above) is satisfied with his current defensive options and believes there are few centrebacks in the transfer market who could improve his current squad ahead of the Premier League season.

Liverpool were hoping to add Virgil van Dijk from Southampton but withdrew their interest in the Dutch centreback after Saints accused them of making an illegal approach.

Klopp is prepared to kick off the campaign with Ragnar Klavan and Joe Gomez providing back-up to first-choice pairing of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

“Look out there and tell me five that would make us stronger. Five. Then you win a prize. It’s difficult how it is,” Klopp has told reporters.

“We have four. I don’t think we need more. We cannot force the things and we would never get a centreback just because of the sake of it.

“I’m happy. You can imagine we are still working on different things and we will see if it works. I am already here to work with this squad and not just always thinking ‘but if we don’t get this or this’.”

Klopp was particularly impressed by a series of mature pre-season displays by leftback Alberto Moreno, who struggled for form during the majority of last campaign.

The Liverpool boss added: “Ryan Kent looked unbelievable, Dom (Solanke) – yes maybe a few guys expected that, maybe not. That’s cool and I just cannot ignore it.”

Liverpool open their league campaign on Saturday with a trip to Watford, three days before the first leg of their Champions League play-off away to Hoffenheim. – Reuters

I’m happy. You can imagine we are still working on different things.