Klopp’s in big strop

and he can say whatever he wants.” Klopp was in a better mood on Sadio Mane after the Senegalese star committed his future to the club until 2023 this week.

The Liverpool boss believes it is a sign that Anfield is now a place where top players think they can take the next step.

He said: “If a player is in a very good moment in his career and you can extend the contract, it’s more than just a signing, it’s a statement. I’m happy about that.

“It shows a bit of the change the club made in the last few years. A few years ago it constantly happened that players in a very good moment thought they had to leave the club to make the next step.

“Now our boys obviously think they can make that here.

“We now need to perform constantly at our highest level – that’s the next challenge.”

But he admitted he cannot stop other clubs from sniffing around despite the £89m clause they have to ensure Barcelona can’t poach players for the next two years. That was part of the deal to sell Philippe Coutinho in January.

He said: “If someone comes and offers us £500m or whatever, what?

“Would I think it’s possible? No. But I was wrong on that a few times before.”

Klopp confirmed that Daniel Sturridge remains in contention to play despite an FA charge for alleged breaches of betting rules hanging over him.