STORM IN
Klopp admits it’s been his roughest summer as a boss.. but it has made this Liverpool a much bigger and better side
JURGEN KLOPP says he’s had the toughest summer of his career because of Barcelona’s dogged pursuit of Philippe Coutinho.
But the Liverpool manager says the trouble has been worth it – because his side have emerged from all the turmoil stronger than ever.
Barca’s attempts to prise the Brazilian from Anfield have veered towards deliberate destabilisation.
The Spanish giants have submitted bids on the eve of Liverpool matches – including the day before their vital Champions League showdown with Hoffenheim in midweek. That could easily have rocked the Reds, but Liverpool qualified for the group stages with an incredible display in a 4-2 win.
Asked if he was upset about some of Barca’s tactics, Klopp said: “To be disappointed you need to have expectations.
“I don’t have expectations, I don’t think about other clubs to be honest.
“I am not sure there was one easy day since we started preseason, maybe the first day when you think: ‘Oh, it’s good to be back!’
“I would have preferred to finish our business six weeks ago. But let all the rest of the world do what they do – I don’t judge what other clubs are doing. We all have our own problems. If we think we have to do something, we do it.”
Liverpool are again without Coutinho for the high-profile visit of Arsenal – the midfielder is still suffering from a back injury that Klopp expects to sideline him from Brazil duty in the international break.
Klopp said the Coutinho issue has been made worse by the injury to Adam Lallana (right), the one player in the Liverpool squad who can cover for him.
“We have all the discussions about Phil and then Adam Lallana gets injured,” said Klopp. “I don’t think anyone can prepare for a situation like that.
“But the team has handled it all brilliantly so far. To get through to the group stages of the Champions League will help with the development and confidence of the team. Since I came here we have built an atmosphere that is extremely special – and if the Champions League isn’t a sign of that, then I don’t know what is.”
Reds fans are already wondering if Coutinho’s injury will miraculously disappear when he reports for Brazil duty, with World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia on the horizon.
But even though Klopp will let the midfielder return home to be checked out by his country’s medical team, he doesn’t expect him to be fit.
“If he goes there and can train, it is in the hands of their FA. They will decide, but I don’t think he can train,” he said.
Liverpool did the double over the Gunners last term but Klopp is wary of the threat posed by Arsene Wenger’s men, who may welcome back Alexis Sanchez following an abdominal strain.
“Arsenal are still an outstandingly strong side,” the German said.
“And with Sanchez back that gives their team another boost.
“But if you concentrate too much on Sanchez then Ozil will show up, or Giroud, Lacazette, Walcott, Welbeck, Ramsey, Xhaka...”