Jurgen Klopp is apparently happy with what he has seen out of his Liverpool squad this season as the Liverpool boss seems content to go into the new season as is.
Klopp has insisted Liverpool will continue to explore all options but he has been impressed by the way a number of his players have risen to the challenge in pre-season particularly Alberto Moreno, who was a target for Sevilla and Napoli in June.
‘We always said that until 31st August we run through the world with open eyes,’ said Klopp. ‘It’s clear. We don’t decide alone, it’s other clubs. It’s all about others clubs. I thought this pre-season brought us new players, if you want.
‘Alberto Moreno is 100 percent back, which is very nice after a really difficult year. Andrew Robertson shows all the skills. He, of course, still has to adapt because he’s not here too long, but you can already see what a threat he is going to be offensively.
‘That means Milly [James Milner] is free from midfield, so without being in the transfer market we have a new midfield player, which is nice. Dom Solanke, he already showed that he is ready for some adult football. Ryan Kent, I know him one and a half years.
‘Last year he developed unbelievably and this preseason is completely different to last pre-season. Without too much money for these players, because they were pretty much already ours, we have additions in the squad so that’s good.’
Liverpool travelled to Dublin with Philippe Coutinho, who had a back problem, Daniel Sturridge (groin), captain Jordan Henderson, who was rested as a precaution, and Adam Lallana, who is out for three months but does not require surgery to correct thigh damage.
Yet Klopp was still able to pick two different teams for each 45 minutes against Athletic and has made it clear there are options for him within his squad.
‘Everyone knows about the injury of Adam Lallana, which was a big blow,’ said Klopp.
‘But this team has dealt with so many difficult situations, they will deal with this too. Phil had a back problem yesterday, so there was no reason for any risk.
‘Hendo had a little problem — nothing with muscles, a little bit ill. Daniel, of course, muscle. But the squad is big and I thought especially today that showed. If we can manage it, then we are OK. It’s not my problem at the moment. I prepare for the Watford game from tomorrow and then next game and then I can think about it.’
The big challenge for Liverpool over the next three weeks will be holding on to Coutinho, who has been targeted by Barcelona. If they can do that, can this be the year that the Kop gets a Premier League trophy?
