Klopp doesn’t agree with Mourinho’s title claim ahead of Michigan clash

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has laughed off Manchester United counterpart Jose Mourinho’s attempt to ramp up the pressure on him ahead of the new campaign.

The Portuguese claimed the Reds need to win the Premier League title after spending £175 million on four new players this summer.

However, Klopp dismissed those suggestions ahead of the two sides’ meeting in Michigan today in the International Champions Cup.

“One of my biggest goals in life is to make Jose smile – it doesn’t happen very often,” joked the German.

“I don’t even think it is a mind game, I think it is normal. I would never talk about Manchester United if no-one asked me about it.

“I have no problem with what Jose Mourinho is saying, it is a free world and he can say whatever he wants. If he is happy about our transfers even better. We know it doesn’t mean you win [trophies] automatically.”

Asked whether he had to win the Premier League this season Klopp said: “I don’t think so. Do I get the sack if not? Depends on the football we play.”

With the world’s most expensive goalkeeper Alisson his fourth and likely to be final signing of the summer, Klopp will be looking to trim his squad over the next couple of weeks.

Liverpool have opened talks with Besiktas about the sale of Simon Mignolet but other clubs have also expressed an interest in the Belgium international.

Klopp continues to support Loris Karius, who replaced Mignolet as No 1 midway through last season, despite his two errors in May’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

“We have a new goalkeeper and Loris Karius is still here. He is young enough to still have a fantastic career,” the manager added.

“There is nothing decided at the moment. I know it is part of the business that some players will leave the club but let’s see what happens.”