MAGNETIC ANFIELD
Klopp: Top four or not, we’ve got pulling power
JURGEN KLOPP has no fears about Liverpool attracting top talent even if they fail to pip Manchester United or Newcastle to a Champions League spot.
The Reds are right on the heels of their rivals after six wins on the bounce and some slip-ups from those above them in the race for the top four.
They head into the weekend just a point off United and three off the Magpies, albeit having played a game more than both.
But Klopp (inset) has no concerns it will damage his transfer plans this summer if they are not among Europe’s elite next season. He said: “We can’t tell anyone in the moment that we will definitely be in the Champions League next year, so if we are talking to him then it is already clear that he knows about that situation.
“It is just a general thing, I think if you join a club you want to reach something with the club and not wait for the club to have reached it before. It is obvious that we have to fight for being part of the Champions League and fight for trophies and if you want to be part of that you are more than welcome.”
Liverpool are in the hunt for midfield additions this summer with Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister (right), Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch among those they are chasing. They will also strengthen in other areas but there is no doubt the midfield is the priority after they stepped out of the Jude Bellingham race to focus on making more than one signing.
Liverpool have suddenly got a real chance of sneaking into the Champions League with three games to go.
But the club’s reputation should be enough to attract the top talent this summer.
However, Klopp did warn that they can’t miss out on the Champions League regularly.
He said: “There is only one thing we can’t guarantee this year is Champions League football but all the rest is still the same like it was before.
“It is a fantastic football club with really, really good football and an even better one next season hopefully.
That’s it.
“That is not so difficult. I have barely talked to a player and everything sounds great and then they say, ‘See you if that happens.’
“It is still Liverpool, we are really attractive for a lot of players and should not forget that.
That is why I am not concerned about that.
“Everything is more difficult without Champions League, that is how it is, especially in the long term, so we should not do these kind of things more often.”