Sunday Mirror

Jurgen: Coutinho out of my hands

- By TOM HOPKINSON

fighting and Britos scored three minutes into stoppage time.

Klopp said: “We scored two wonderful goals in the second half and conceded an offside goal – that’s really not fun, it’s difficult to accept.

“But we have enough training in this and accepting it because last year it happened all the time. We can do better and we have to do better.

“You cannot expect perfection in the first match, but I was not happy in the first half with the situation when it was very physical and Watford were the winners in these situations.

“They didn’t create too much, but, of course, they scored two goals and everyone will say, ‘Oh, it was a set-piece’.

“The second goal was unlucky, a formation problem.”

All of Watford’s goals were scored from close range and it is no wonder Klopp, who was without several big names through injury, wants a new central defender to shore things

MANE’S strike was a treat — and Reds will hope there’s plenty more of that to come. JURGEN KLOPP admits he has no control over Philippe Coutinho’s future and any decision on him will come from the Liverpool board.

The Brazilian (inset, top) submitted a transfer request on Friday after Barcelona’s second offer — this time of around £90million.

It was rejected by the Reds.

Klopp (inset, below) said: “As a manager of a football club, I have bosses and if bosses decide, for example that we sell a player or we don’t sell him, then I have to accept it.

“At the moment, I am just concentrat­ing on my team.”

Klopp’s comments come as Fenway Sports Group, who own Liverpool, warned Coutinho: “We won’t be bullied by you.”

The Americans have sent a firm message to the player and the middlemen angling to finalise a deal to Barca. The player’s representa­tives have contacted the FSG to discuss the situation.

The message that has been relayed to the player is that FSG employ more costly players for Major League baseball team the Boston Red Sox, who do not dictate terms to them. And they won’t make an exception for Coutinho.

John W. Henry and his colleagues boast two players on their books, in Hanley Ramirez and Rick Porcello, who command more than $20m each per year – and they say Coutinho is not on that pay scale.

The issue is becoming highly fractious and Liverpool are anxious for their own medics to delve deeper into the back problem that has caused Coutinho to miss training for the past week.

Coutinho is willing to give medical evidence from a doctor in his homeland, proving he cannot play. up. It was Firmino who was meant to pick up Okaka at the near post from Jose Holebas’ corner and there was only going to be one winner.

Although the leveller, when it came, was an absolute beauty with Mane and Alberto Moreno exchanging passes, Can providing a tasty flick round the corner and Mane applying a lovely finish.

Watford, who by then had lost Daryl Janmaat and would later lose Roberto Pereyra to injury, regained the lead soon after when Trent AlexanderA­rnold stuck out a boot, but kicked the ball into Joel Matip.

It bounced off him and Doucoure

WATFORD lost Janmaat and Pereyra to injury, Richarliso­n showing ability when he replaced the latter. was never going to miss. Firmino’s flick released Salah after the break and Heurelho Gomes brought him down, allowing the Brazilian to score from the spot.

And, after Dejan Lovren’s pass was beautifull­y cushioned by Firmino, he then lifted the ball over Gomes for Salah to tap it home.

Lovren hit the bar with a header and had another well saved by Gomes.

Those misses were costly when Watford new signing Richarliso­n’s shot was deflected on to the bar by Simon Mignolet and there was Britos to head home.

Hornets boss Marco Silva said: “It’s a good result for us. We always prepare to win, but it’s a good result and a fair one.

“We reacted well until the end and we deserved the result as well.”

 ??  ?? Liverpool make a complete mess of defending from a corner and Watford defender Britos heads in
Liverpool make a complete mess of defending from a corner and Watford defender Britos heads in
 ??  ?? 4) ANDY ROBERTSON didn’t even make the Liverpool squad and Watford’s second, from Doucoure, came from Moreno’s side. 5)
4) ANDY ROBERTSON didn’t even make the Liverpool squad and Watford’s second, from Doucoure, came from Moreno’s side. 5)

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