KLOPP MUST SPLASH CASH OR LIVERPOOL WON’T WIN THE TITLE Legend Molby fires warning to Kop boss
URGENT MESSAGE TO ANFIELD
JUVENTUS have instructed German midfielder Sami Khedira to step up the club’s charm offensive for Liverpool contract rebel Emre Can during the international break. The Turin giants have made Can a priority signing and the 23-year-old is available on a free next summer when his Anfield contract expires. Sources in Italy say Juve are now hoping to use the friendship between Khedira and Can (left) to stake their claim for the midfielder’s signature. Liverpool resisted Juve’s bid last summer and Jurgen Klopp has told the club that he wants to keep him. Molby, a two-time champion who was part of the last Reds team to win the league back in 1990, reckons his former club must flex their financial muscle in the transfer market or continue as Premier League also-rans. Klopp lifted two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund without investing heavily in players – and has a net spend of less than £25million since arriving at Anfield two years ago. But Molby (below) believes that’s a false economy – and has warned Klopp that he will have to adapt the philosophy that served him so well in Germany, if he is to end Liverpool’s hurt. “Jurgen didn’t spend a lot of money at Dortmund and he’s been a bit too reluctant to splash the cash at Liverpool as well,” said the former Denmark international, who also collected two FA Cup winners’ medals in 11 seasons at Anfield. “I’m sure he has money to spend, but would rather try to be successful another way – by building the team up without bringing in ready-made names. “It has become increasingly difficult to do that in the Premier League. In fact, it’s now impossible. “Tottenham are going about it in a similar way and have a terrific team – but I don’t think they have enough to win the title. “Klopp was very successful in Germany – but he only had to get past Bayern Munich. Don’t get me wrong, that was a fantastic achievement, but in England there are the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea – and they are prepared to spend whatever it takes to improve the team.”
Liverpool targeted Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk and Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita in the summer – but had trouble landing either of them.
They had to withdraw their interest in Van Dijk when Saints made a complaint to the Premier League about their conduct.
And Leipzig rejected two bids for Keita before agreeing to allow the Guinea midfielder to move to Merseyside next summer for £48million.
Molby added: “Whichever way you look at it, Liverpool failed to address some key problems in the transfer window and, when that happens, you are going to have your ups and downs.
“Everyone knew where Klopp needed to strengthen – in the back four, in midfield and maybe with a new goalkeeper. He didn’t and because of that we have seen some inconsistent performances.
“Man City got some stick for paying £50million for Kyle Walker – but they needed a right-back.
“Pep Guardiola identified the man they wanted and they spent what it took to get him.
“Sometimes, to make that final step or two, you have to bite the bullet and spend big money.
“We all knew Liverpool wanted Van Dijk. They should have either paid a premium to get him or moved on to someone else.”
Running the rule over Liverpool’s form, Molby added: “When Liverpool are good, they are very good. But when they’re bad, they are well below average.
“That’s why the title is once again going to be beyond them. But I have no doubts that Klopp is the right man for the club.”